Alcoholism II

Alcoholism II

GENERAL MEASURES:

• Treatment is inpatient or outpatient depending on severity of illness, person's health, and other factors.
• In some cases, detoxification is done as an inpatient, with the remainder of treatment given on an outpatient basis.
• Primary care provider may want to consult an addiction specialist.

ACTIVITY:

Fully active as tolerated

DIET:

• Well-balanced diet (malnutrition from poor eating habits is common)
• Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of most vitamins.
• Person may have specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

MEDICATIONS

COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS:

• For detoxification and management of alcohol withdrawal:
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Phenobarbital
• Detoxification adjuncts:
• Beta blockers (propranolol, atenolol)
• Clonidine
• To promote sobriety:
• Disulfirarn (Anabuse)
• Naltrexone
• Thiamine

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Do not drink while taking detoxification medications.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Medications should be used with caution in individuals with severe liver disease, organic pain, or other conditions.
• Watch for unsteadiness, excessive sleepiness, slurred speech, or other signs of intoxication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

• Alcohol and benzodiazepines have additive effects.
• Don't mix medication with other sedatives.

Other Drugs:

N/A

FOLLOW UP

PATIENT MONITORING:

• Person should be seen daily during detoxification.
• Frequent visits (weekly) after patient completes treatment program
• Less frequent visits as patient becomes established in recovery

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE:

People with a family history of alcoholism or other risk factors may benefit from preventive counseling.

COMPLICATIONS:

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Alcoholism is a chronic, relapsing disease.
• If untreated, alcoholism is progressive and fatal.

MISCELLANEOUS

OTHER FACTORS:

N/A

PEDIATRIC:

• Substance abuse has a negative impact on normal maturation and development and attainment of social, educational, and occupational skills.
• Signs and symptoms often include depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, family disruption, disorderly behavior, violence or destruction of property, poor school or work performance, sexual promiscuity, social immaturity, lack of hobbies or interests, isolation, moodiness.

GERIATRIC:

• Alcoholism is often missed in elderly individuals. The signs and symptoms of alcoholism may be different or attributed to a chronic medical problem or dementia.
• The elderly are more sensitive to alcohol effects.

OTHERS:

N/A

PREGNANCY:

• Alcohol causes birth defects. The greatest damage occurs during the early weeks of fetal development.
• Women should abstain from alcohol when planning conception and throughout pregnancy.

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Medical Diagnosis » A » Alcoholism II