Substance abuse

Clonidine

A medication used for treating autonomic symptoms in Alcohol Use Disorder.

Benzodiazepines

Medications used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in Alcohol Use Disorder.

Disulfiram

A medication that deters alcohol consumption in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Haloperidol

An antipsychotic used to treat alcohol-induced hallucinations.

Tardive Dyskinesia

A serious side effect of typical antipsychotics characterized by involuntary movements.

Methadone

A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist used for opioid replacement therapy.

Naltrexone

An opioid antagonist used after detox to block opioid receptors but does not prevent withdrawal.

Opioid Agonist

A class of drugs, including Methadone, that activate opioid receptors to prevent withdrawal.

Opioid Antagonist

A class of drugs, including Naloxone and Naltrexone, that block opioid receptors.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical and psychological symptoms experienced when an opioid is not taken, which Methadone helps prevent.

Euphoric effects

The pleasurable sensations from opioids that Methadone blocks due to receptor saturation.

Alcohol Use Disorder

A condition treated with medications like Clonidine, Benzodiazepines, and Disulfiram.

Autonomic instability

A condition that benzodiazepines can address during alcohol withdrawal.

EPS symptoms

Extrapyramidal symptoms that can occur with antipsychotic medications, but are distinct from Tardive Dyskinesia.

Buprenorphine

A partial opioid agonist that provides enough receptor activation to prevent withdrawal and cravings without the full 'high.' Can be prescribed in office settings.

Multi-vitamins, Thiamine, Folic Acid

Vitamins commonly used for Alcohol Use Disorder; Thiamine prevents Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and Folic acid prevents anemia and neurological issues.

Sobriety Meds

Used AFTER detox to maintain abstinence: Disulfiram (deterrent), Naltrexone (reduces cravings/reward), Acamprosate (reduces cravings).

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

A condition characterized by confusion, ataxia, and memory loss, prevented by Thiamine.

Acamprosate

A medication that helps reduce cravings in alcohol use disorder.

Acetaldehyde accumulation

The cause of the unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed after taking Disulfiram.

Chlordiazepoxide

The classic first-line benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal. Long-acting, reduces seizure risk.

Valproic Acid & Carbamazepine

Anticonvulsants used as alternatives or adjuncts to benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal.

Phenytoin

Generic name for Dilantin, an anticonvulsant used for seizure prevention in alcohol withdrawal protocols.

Naloxone vs Naltrexone

Naloxone is for emergency reversal; Naltrexone is for maintenance.

Withdrawal vs Sobriety meds

Benzos/anticonvulsants for acute withdrawal; Disulfiram/Naltrexone/Acamprosate for maintenance.

Thiamine in alcohol use disorder

Critical to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.