alcoholism

Question 1

what is defined as harmful use of alcohol ?

Answer 1

pattern of use causing damage to physical or mental health >1 month or repeatedly over 12 months

Question 2

what are signs of alcohol dependence ?

Answer 2

> 1 month/ mostly 12 month

cravings/compulsions
difficulty controlling use
primacy
increased tolerance 
physiological withdrawal 
persistence despite harm

Question 3

what are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal ?

Answer 3

tremor
weakness
nausea
vomiting
anxiety
seizures
confusion
agitation
death

Question 4

what is delirium tremens ?

Answer 4

confusion
tremor
agitation
hallucinations 
delusions
sleeplessness
autonomic over-activity

48-72 hours after alcohol stopped

Question 5

what are adverse mental health effects of alcoholism ?

Answer 5

anxiety
depression
sleep disruption
morbid jealousy
alcoholic hallucinosis
self-injury
suicidal thoughts/acts

Question 6

what are symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy ?

Answer 6

confusion
ataxia
opthalmoplegia
nystagmus

Question 7

what is Korsakoff’s psychosis ?

Answer 7

impaired remote and recent memory, preserved immediate recall

thiamine deficiency

Question 8

what are screening tools for alcoholism ?

Answer 8

CAGE
AUDIT
FAST
PAT

Question 9

how do you treat alcohol abuse ?

Answer 9

thiamine
withdrawl benzodiazepines - chlordiazepoxide
aversion - Antabuse
anti crave- naltrexone, baclofen, campral, nalmefene