Substance-related Disorders Flashcards
Define substance abuse.
it’s a pattern of substance use that leads to impairment or distress for at least 12 months with 1+ of the following:
- failure to fulfill obligations
- use in dangerous situations
- recurrent substance-related legal problems
- continued use despite social or interpersonal problems due to the use
Define substance dependence.
It’s substance use leading to impairment manifested by at least three of the following within a 12-month period:
- tolerance
- withdrawal
- using substance more than originally intended
- persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on use
- significant time spent in getting, using or recovering from substance
- decreased social, occupational, of recreational activities because of substance use
- continued use despite subsequent physical or psychological problems
Is it possible to have substance dependence without having physiological dependence?
yes
What is the lifetime prevalence of substance abuse/dependence in the US?
17%
Substance abuse/dependence is more common in what gender?
males
What are the most commonly used substances?
alcohol and nicotine
Define withdrawal.
the development of a substance-specific syndrome due to the cessation of substance use that has been heavy and prolonged
Define tolerance.
the need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect or diminished effect if using the same amount of the substance.
What is the best way to test for alcohol?
it will stay in the system for only a few hours
breathalyzer will pick it up without those few hours, but blood/urine testing is more accurate
How long is a UDS positive for cocaine?
2-4 days
How long is a UDS positive for amphetamines?
1-3 days
How long is a UDS positive for PCP? What other lab values will often be abnormal?
3-8 days
CPK and AST are often elevated as well
How long will a short acting barbiturate be picked up on a urine or blood screen? How about a long acting?
short-acting: 24 hours
long-acting: 3 weeks
How long will a short-acting benzo be picked up on a urine or blood screen? A long-acting?
short-acting: 3 days
long-acting: 30 days
How long will a UDS be positive for opioids?
2-3 days
Which two opioids will come up negative on a general screen (and thus need a specific panel)?
methadone
oxycodone
How long can marijuana be detected in the urine in heavy users? How about for a one-time use?
heavy users: 4 weeks
one-time use: 3 days
Alcohol exacts its CNS depressant effects via action on what neurotransmitters?
activation of GABA and serotonin receptors
inhibition of glutamate and voltage-gated Ca channels
What two enzymes are involved in the metabolism of alcohol (the usual pathway)?
alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol to acetaldehyde) aldehyde dehydrogenase (acetaldehyde to acetic acid)
Describe the clinical presentation of alcohol intoxication.
decreased fine motor control impaired judgment and coordination ataxic gait and poor balance lethargy, difficulty sleeping upright, difficulty w/ memory coma in a novice drinker respiratory depression, death possible
What is the treatment for alcohol poisoning?
monitor: airway, breathing, circulation, glucose, electrolytes, acid-based status
give thiamine and folate
GI evacuation is not indicated unless a significant amount of alcohol was ingested within the preceding 30-60 minutes, which is usually not the case.
naloxone may be necessary if co-ingested opioids
CT may be necessary to rule our subdural hematoma or other brain injury
Why do we give thiamine?
to prevent or treat wernicke’s encephalopathy
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
insomnia anxiety hand tremor irritability anorexia nausea/vomiting autonomic hyperactivity: diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension psychomotor agitation fever seizures hallucinations delerium
When do the earliest symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin?
between 6-24 hours after the patient’s last drink
When would generalized tonic clonic seizures occur after the cessation of drinking?
between 6-48 hours with a peak at 13-24 hours
What proportion of patients with alcohol withdrawal seizures will develop the DTs?
1/3
What electrolyte abnormality can predispose to alcohol withdrawal seizures if not corrected?
hypomagenesemia
How do we treat alcohol withdrawal seizures?
benzodiazepines
When do the DTs usually begin?
48-72 hours after the last drink (but may occur later)
What is the mortality rate if DTs are not treated?
15-25%
What are the signs of DTs?
delirium, hallucinations (usually visual), tremor, autonomic instability and fluctuating levels of psychomotor activity
What benzos are preferred for DTs?
the long-acting: chlordiazepoxide, diazeopam, lorazepam
What assessment scale is usually used to monitor withdrawal signs and symptoms (like the MINDS protocol at the VA).
the clinical institute withdrawal assessment (CIWA) scale
What questionnaire is used to screen for alcohol abuse?
the CAGE questions
- Have you ever wanted to Cut down on your drinking
- Have you felt Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?
- Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
- Have you ever needed to drink as an Eye opener?
What is considered heavy drinking for men?
over 4 drinks per day or over 14 drinks per week