SDL - Addictive behaviours

Question 1

How are units of alcohol calculated?

Answer 1

Volume (ml)/1000 x %alcohol

Question 2

What are the reccomended limits a week?

Answer 2

14 units a week for men and women

Question 3

How many units is counted as binge drinking?

Answer 3

8 units for men

6 units for women

Question 4

What is hazardous drinking?

Answer 4

Drinking more than the recommended limit

Question 5

What is harmful drinking?

Answer 5

Causing damage to health e.g. physical (liver) and psychological (depression)

Question 6

What is alcohol dependence?

Answer 6

3 or more symptoms:

• Difficulties controlling drinking
• Progressive neglect of alternative interests
• Persistent use despite harm
• Tolerance
• Physiological withdrawls
• Craving

Question 7

What is brief interventions and what is the purpose of it?

Answer 7

Aims to identify real or potential alcohol problems and to motivate individuals to do something about it.

Question 8

What are the barriers to implementing brief interventions?

Answer 8

• Lack of time
• inadequate training
• fear of antagonising patients
• alcoholics not responding to interventions
• health workers own opinions towards alcohol consumption.

Question 9

What are the stages of brief intervention?

Answer 9

• Pre-contemplation - drinker not considering change or not aware of health consequences
• Contemplation - drinker aware of harm but ambivalent about changing
• Preperation - drinker has decided to change and plans to take action
• Action - drinker has began to cut down or stop drinking
• Maintenance - drinker has achieved abstinece or moderate drinking on a permanent basis.