Addiction and withdrawl

addiction:

compulsive chronic need for the substance that creates distress when unmet

intoxication:

drug is currently affecting the body

withdrawal:

physical/mental adjustment after stopping addictive substance

alcohol use disorder and the phases

alcohol is a

CNS depressant

metabolized by the liver

legal BAL: 0.08

pre alcoholic phase:

alcohol is used as a coping mechanism/stress relief

early alcoholic phase:

blackouts happen, drinking in secret, denial

crucial phase:

physiological dependence, binge drinking, major life consequences

chronic phase

intoxicated more than sober, depression

“here abrupt withdrawal can be fatal”

effects of chronic alcohol use:

• CNS depressant

• peripheral neuropathy

• alcoholic myopathy

• wernikes encephalopathy

• korsakoffs psychosis

• cardiomyopathy

alcohol withdrawal s/s:

• tremors

• anx

• headache

• sweating

• palpation

• agitation

• insomnia

• hallucinations

• seizures

minor withdrawal:

6-36 hours

seizures can happen:

6-48hr

alcoholic hallucinatons:

12-48hrs

what are DT’s?

delirium tremens that is an emergency

delirium tremens

this can lead to CV failures

what are s/s of delirium tremens:

• delirium

• severe agitation

• tachy

• HTN

• fever

• sweating

• autonomic hyperactivity

what are the 4 priorities for these patients?

1. safety

2. monitor closely

3. seizure activity

4. treat withdrawal

what are the treatments for alcohol withdrawal:

supportive

thiamine

benzodiazepine

long term AUD medications

supportive treatment:

• fluids and electrolytes

• nutrition

• glucose

benzodiazapines:

prevents seizures

what are the two vitamins that wee give:

thiamine

folic acid

what are long term AUD medications:

disulfiram

naltrexone