Alcohol Symposium Flashcards
Effects of low doses of alcohol
Euphoria, reduced anxiety, relaxation and socialbility
Effects of high doses of alcohol
Intoxication (the pathological state produced by a drug, serum, alcohol or any toxic substance - poisoning)
impaired attention and judgement, unsteadiness, flushing, nystagmus, mood instability, disinhibition, slurring, stupor, unconsciousness
Harmful use of alcohol
pattern of use causing damage to physical or mental health. Use >1 month or repeatedly over 12 months
Alcohol dependence
3 or more of the following for >1month or repeatedly over 12 months:
Cravings/compulsions to take
Difficulty controlling use
Primacy
Increased tolerance
Physiological withdrawal on reduction/cessation
Persistence despite harmful consequences
Withdrawal State
Group of symptoms of variable clustering and severity on complete/relative withdrawal of a psychoactive substance, after persistent use of that substance
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal state
Tremor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizures, confusion, agitation, death
Delirium Tremens
Profound confusion, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, sleeplessness, autonomic over-activity
. Mortality of 5%. Death results form cardiovascular collapse, infection, hyperthermia, seizures or self injury
Mental health problems resulting from alcohol use
Anxiety Depression Sleep disruption Morbid Jealousy Alcoholic hallucinosis Deliberate self-injury Suicidal thoughts/acts
Wernickes Encephalopathy
Confusion, ataxia, opthalmoplegia, nystagmus
Korsakoff’s Psychosis
Prominent impairment of recent and remote memory, preservation of immediate recall, no general cognitive impairment, retrograde and anterograde memory, impaired learning and disorientation, may exhibit nystagmus and ataxia
What causes Wernickes Encephalopathy and Korsakoffs psychosis
Thiamine deficiency due to poor intake and absorption, poor hepatic function and increased requirement of alcohol metabolism
CAGE
Have you tried to Cut down?
Have you felt Annoyed by people criticising your drinking?
Have you felt Guilty about drinking?
Have you felt the need to have an Eye-opener?
Management of alcohol dependence
Support for patient and family
Psychological help (e.g. CBT, group therapy)
Social work input (benefits, housing, child protection)
Skills training
Community Support (eg AA, ADA)
Inpatient or residential treatment
Medication
Prevention of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Thiamine
Management of alcohol withdrawal (medication)
Benzodiazepines , commonly Chlordiazepoxide
