Psychoactive Substance Use and Addictive Disorders Flashcards
What is a synergistic effect?
When drugs are taken together, effect of either or both is intensified or prolonged
What is a antagonist effect?
When drugs are taken together, effect of one is inhibited or weakened
What is the combination of a psychiatric comorbidity and substance use disorder called?
A concurrent disorder or dual diagnosis
What are medical co-morbidities of substance abuse?
- Wernicke’s (alcoholic) encephalopathy: an acute and reversible condition
- Korsakoff’s syndrome: a chronic condition with a recovery rate of only about 20%
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Chronic ETOH use = esophagitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver
- Cancer, accidents, suicide and homicide
- Route of drug administration influences co-morbidities
- Those who use intravenous drugs have a higher incidence of infections
- Hepatitis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Cellulitis
- Sclerosing of veins
What is the etiology of substance abuse disorder?
Characterized by use, misuse, and physical and psychological dependence, and also by certain behaviours:
- Loss of control of substance consumption
- Continued substance use despite associated problems
- Cravings and a tendency to relapse after efforts to change behaviour
Alcoholism - CAGE assessment
C – Cutting Down
A – Annoyance by Criticism
G – Guilty Feeling
E – Eye-openers
What are the assessment guidelines for acute chemical impairment?
- Assess for severe or major withdrawal syndrome.
- Assess for a drug poisoning that warrants immediate medical attention.
- Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts or other self-harming behaviours.
- Evaluate the patient for any physical complications related to drug use
- Explore the patient’s interest in doing something about their drug problem.
- Assess the patient’s and family’s knowledge of community resources for addiction treatment.
What are the eight steps of motivational interviewing?
- Establishing rapport
- Setting the agenda
- Assessing readiness for change
- Sharpening focus
- Identifying ambivalence
- Eliciting self-motivating statements
- Handling resistance
- Shifting focus and transition
What are important considerations for the treatment of substance use disorders?
- The social determinants of health
- Cultural background
- Trauma
- Involvement of family and other support persons in tx
- Recovery
S/S of an alcohol OD
Excessive intake in short time period
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory depression
- Pneumonia
- Hypotension
- CV shock
- Death
Alcohol withdrawal
- Occurs after reduction or cessation of prolonged heavy drinking
- Symptoms of withdrawal begin 4-12 hours after reduction or cessation of alcohol and peak 1-2 days later and typically resolves in 5-7 days (might be longer)
- Early S/S include: hand tremors, sweating, irritability, elevated pulse (>120 beats/min), insomnia, anxiety, N&V
- If untreated – Delirium Tremens – most serious form of withdrawal. DT’s may occur within 2-4 days (up to 7 days) after last drink
- DT S/S: agitation, confusion, hallucinations, delusions, fever, seizures, can be fatal if untreated.
What are S/S of delirium tremens?
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Fever
- Seizures
- Can be fatal if untreated
What medication(s) are given during alcohol detoxification?
- Thiamine (PO) is given (thiamine deficiency develops after long period of drinking and associated with poor nutrition)
- Injections for high risk - Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome - Benzodiazepines are given
- Typically diazepam (Valium)
What is the caffeine intoxication criteria?
- Recent Consumption
- Five or more of following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Excitement
- Insomnia
- Flushed Face
- Diuresis
- GI Disturbance
- Muscle Twitching
- Rambling
- Tachycardia or Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Periods of inexhaustibility
- Psychomotor agitation
What is the caffeine withdrawal criteria?
- Prolonged daily Use of Caffeine
- Abrupt cessation followed by 3 or more of the following:
- Headache
- Marked fatigue or drowsiness
- Dysphoric Mood
- Depressed Mood
- Irritability
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Flu like Symptoms