Illicit drug use Flashcards
1
Q
What are the criteria for dependence with illicit drug use?
A
- Tolerance
- withdrawal
- using more or for longer than was intended
- unsuccessful attempts to reduce use
- large amount of time spent seeking, using and recovering from use
- drug use taking priority over social, work and recreational activities
- persistent use despite harm
2
Q
What score can be used to measure opiate withdrawal?
A
- COWS: (clinical opiate withdrawal scale)
3
Q
what are the withdrawal symptoms of opiates?
A
- craving, restlessness, insomnia, muscle pains, tachycardia, dilated pupils
4
Q
when do withdrawal symptoms begin?
A
- 8-12 hours
- peak over 36-72 hours
- subside over 7-10 days
5
Q
how can opiate abuse be managed?
A
- substitution with buprenorphine or methadone
- stabilising drug use and lifestyle
- needle exchange programme
6
Q
what long acting opiate substitute can be used and why?
A
- naltrexone, prevents relapses
