Week 8: Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and details from the lecture on Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders, including definitions, mechanisms of action, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and harm reduction strategies.

What are Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)?

Chronic, relapsing medical conditions involving dysregulation of the brain's reward system, motivation, memory, and inhibitory control.

What defines Tolerance?

The brain adapts to a substance, requiring more of it to achieve the same effect.

Why does withdrawal occur in Substance Use Disorders?

Withdrawal occurs as the brain and body react to the absence of a substance to which they have become dependent.

What is the golden rule regarding withdrawal symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of intoxication effects.

What should the nurse monitor after naloxone administration?

Continue to monitor for re-narcotization due to naloxone's shorter duration than most opioids.

What is the FIRST action for opioid overdose with no breathing but a pulse?

Provide rescue breathing

What is the most fatal effect of opioid intoxication?

Respiratory depression.

What physiologic dependence occur with opioids?

Chronic opioid use alters receptor function, leading to tolerance and withdrawal when stopped

What is the preferred medication for acute alcohol withdrawal?

Benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam.

What symptoms are common in nicotine withdrawal?

Irritability, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite.

Why is alcohol withdrawal potentially fatal?

It can lead to severe CNS hyperexcitability causing seizures and delirium tremens.

What are the main pharmacological treatments for opioid use disorder?

Methadone (full agonist) and buprenorphine (partial agonist).

What is the significance of the CIWA-Ar score?

It assesses the severity of alcohol withdrawal and guides medication dosing.

What should the nurse monitor in patients on opioid maintenance therapy ?

Monitor for signs of withdrawal and ensure understanding of medication adherence.

What is an important nursing alert regarding opioid overdose reversal?

Be aware that naloxone may not reverse respiratory depression caused by buprenorphine completely.

When should naloxone be given?

After airway/breathing support is started

what is methadone used for ?

managing pain and as part of a treatment program for opioid use disorder, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

what is buprenorphine used for ?

treat opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, often as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

When do alcohol withdrawal seizures occur?

6–48 hours after the last drink

When do hallucinations occur?

12–48 hours after the last drink.

When does delirium tremens occur?

48–96 hours after the last drink.

Why does naloxone require repeated dosing?

shorter half life -than opioids

Why do benzodiazepines treat alcohol withdrawal?

enhance GABA → decrease CNS hyperactivity

What is the goal of harm redaction?

reduce negative consequences, not necessarily stop use

What is an example of harm reduction?

needle exchange, naloxone kits

How does disulfiram work?

causes unpleasant reaction with alcohol

What must patients avoid when taking disulfiram?

alcohol, mouthwash, cough syrup

What does a high CIWA score indicate?

severe withdrawal → needs medication

What is naltrexone used for?

Reduces cravings and blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol

What is acamprosate used for?

Maintains abstinence in alcohol use disorder

Why is acamprosate preferred in liver disease?

Because it is NOT metabolized by the liver (excreted by kidneys)