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Alcohol
alcohol withdrawal syndrome is also not limited to complete abstinence. A person may suffer from this condition when she attempts or is forced to reduce the amount she drinks.
There is not a defined point when the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome begin. This tends to differ from one individual to another. People who have severe addictions may find that the symptoms begin while they are still under the influence of alcohol but have not had a drink for a few hours. Those with the most severe addictions are also commonly the individuals who have the harshest and longest withdrawal experiences. It is believed by many medical professionals that multiple attempts to overcome alcohol addiction cause symptoms to become more severe each time.
This condition may require medical treatment. In most instances, it is not necessary for sufferers to be hospitalized but some of the more severe cases may require in­patient treatment. It may be necessary for prescription medications to be administered for either in-patient or out-patient treatment. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that alcohol withdrawal treatment should be followed by treatment for alcohol dependence.
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General Guidelines for Alcohol Withdrawal Management
Withdrawal management is just one aspect of managing alcohol dependence and should never be considered ‘the cure’. Changing established behaviours takes time; relapse is common. Well planned interventions and engagement in activities supporting behaviour change will assist long-term recovery.
Depending on drinking history, medical risk and level of social support, alcohol withdrawal can be effectively managed in a home or inpatient setting. To establish a withdrawal management plan:
1. Assess current consumption levels
undertake AOD, medical, social history and mental health assessment
2. Predict likelihood and severity of withdrawal
Withdrawal is likely where:
there is an alcohol-related reason for admission/assessment
there is regular alcohol use of > 80 grams per day (males), > 60 grams per day (females)
patient > 30 years (significant alcohol withdrawal is unlikely under the age of 30)
< 10 days after last drink (withdrawal usually commences within 6–24 hours of last drink, and may last 2–12 days)
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Illustrated Handbook of Drugs & Alcohol Related Health Issues
there is a history of alcohol dependence/ significant previous withdrawal history
AUDIT Score > 12
other depressant/sedative medications are currently used
pathology results are unusual e.g. raised serum GGT or MCV
there is presence of alcohol-related disease (e.g. alcohol-related liver or cardiac disease, pancreatitis, hepatomegaly)
physical appearance is suggestive of harmful alcohol use (parotid swelling, abnormal skin vascularisation, conjunctival injection)
there is serious intercurrent illness e.g. head injury, diabetes, epilepsy, psychosis, infection, poor nutrition, head injury, significant liver disease, pancreatitis, cardiac or respiratory disorders.
The severity of alcohol withdrawal can be predicted by:
previous withdrawal history (past history of seizures, hallucinations, delirium)
duration and amount of alcohol used (quantity > 150g per day predictive of severe withdrawal)
presence of other illness or injury increases severity and likelihood of complications
use of other psychotropic drugs may result in additive or synergistic effects
The progress of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be seen in Figure.
Progress of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Citation: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/E5203E6D5CBAA69
6CA257BF0001E02ED/$File/aodgp.pdf
Alcohol
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Home Withdrawal Management
Home withdrawal may be suitable where:
GP is able and willing to provide home monitoring
carer support is available at home
the patient has organised responsibilities and commitments (e.g. work)
the patient’s physical and emotional condition is appropriate for home withdrawal
Ensure the patient and carer are actively involved in developing the treatment plan and are aware of:
withdrawal commencement date
possible symptoms and has discussed expectations of withdrawal process
medication regimes
support and emergency systems
Psychosocial and Physical Support During Alcohol Withdrawal
reorientate and provide reassurance
use simple commands, brief explanations, repetition (if required), use calm but firm voice
treat symptoms e.g. headache, diarrhoea, generalised aches and pains, nausea and vomiting etc. and monitor and observe for seizures or other medical complications
encourage fluids and light meals e.g. vegemite on toast
ensure calm, uncluttered and comfortable environment with dim lighting, comfortable clothing and clean bedclothes
Citation: https://expertbeacon.com/sites/default/files/advice_on_how_to_recover_from_a_
drug_or_alcohol_addiction_relapse.jpg
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Illustrated Handbook of Drugs & Alcohol Related Health Issues
Delirium Tremens (the ‘DTs’)
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency associated with untreated alcohol withdrawal, occurring 3–14 days after stopping drinking. It occurs in < 5% of patients and may be fatal. Main features of the DTs include agitation, restlessness, gross tremor, disorientation, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, sweating and high fevers, visual hallucinations and paranoia.
Observation and ongoing assessment alcohol withdrawal observation charts
Withdrawal charts provide a guide to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and use of pharmacotherapy, but are not diagnostic instruments in themselves.
Pharmacological Management of Alcohol Withdrawal
Medications (including benzodiazepines), combined with supportive care can assist in reducing severity of withdrawal symptoms in the home and inpatient environment.
Table 5: Medications commonly used for withdrawal management
Diazepam
Diazepam is a prescription medication primarily given to patients with anxiety disorders, though it can also be effective at treating seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. It is classified as a benzodiazepine and works by increasing the activity of a nervous system, regulating chemicals in the brain. The drug is familiarly identified by its principle brand name, Valium®, though generic forms are also available. Diazepam can be habit forming and is dangerous in large doses, so doctors are careful when prescribing the medication.
Alcohol
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that is released in the brain to stabilize electrical and chemical activity of the central nervous system (CNS). People who have anxiety disorders, tremors, seizures, and other abnormal CNS symptoms often have too little GABA in circulation. Diazepam is a GABA enhancer; it promotes the release of more GABA and prevents it from being reabsorbed quickly. With increased GABA levels, CNS activity returns to normal.
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Citation: http://images.wisegeek.com/benzodiazepine-drops.jpg
Diazepam usually comes in extended-release capsules or liquid form. Occasionally, a hospitalized patient may receive an intravenous dose of the drug. Dosing amounts depend on the age and condition of a patient, but most adults are instructed to take 10 milligrams of diazepam two to four times a day. The most common side effects are drowsiness and dizziness, though a person may also experience mental confusion, vision changes, nausea, and loss of appetite. Allergic reactions, seizures, and heart palpitations are rare but possible, and should be assessed in the emergency room as soon as possible.
A doctor usually reviews a patient’s medical history and current regimen of medications carefully before prescribing diazepam. The physician checks for possible adverse drug interactions and starts a patient on a low dose to monitor side effects. Patients are instructed to abstain from alcohol when taking the medication to prevent severe health complications. In addition, a patient may be told to avoid operating automobiles, working around machinery, or engaging in other potentially hazardous activities due to the sedative properties of the drug.
Diazepam has the potential to become addictive. A person can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, believing that he or she needs to increase dosing amounts and frequencies to achieve the desired effects. Doctors typically meet with patients regularly to make sure they do not show signs of addiction. Diazepam is also a popular yet very dangerous recreational drug. The medication can lead to severe side effects or even death when it is taken by a person who does
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not have a prescription. Benzodiazepines (most commonly diazepam, or oxazepam in the case of impaired liver function) are the drugs of choice in managing alcohol withdrawal, as they:
alleviate many withdrawal symptoms
are effective in preventing development of complex withdrawal features when given early
have a wide margin of safety, provided supervision is adequate
have low likelihood of cross-dependence, when established regimes for withdrawal management are used
If essential prerequisites for home withdrawal management have been met, home withdrawal using benzodiazepines may be appropriate
Illustrated Handbook of Drugs & Alcohol Related Health Issues
Citation: http://images.wisegeek.com/woman-with-insomnia.jpg
Benzodiazepines for withdrawal management in inpatient/hospital setting
An inpatient setting is more appropriate if severe withdrawal or seizures are likely, or for those who are older, polydrug users, or physically or psychologically unwell. The Alcohol Withdrawal Observation Chart provides a diazepam regime for inpatient settings.
Diazepam Withdrawal
Diazepam is a tranquilizer, or central nervous system depressant, classified as a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of muscle
Alcohol
spasms. This drug can cause tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence, so it should not be discontinued suddenly. The abrupt cessation can produce unpleasant symptoms of diazepam withdrawal, some of which can be very serious. For this reason, the dose of diazepam should be slowly and gradually reduced under the supervision of a doctor.
When patients suddenly stop taking diazepam, they may experience dizziness, changes in personality, and numbness or tingling. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, might also occur. Dangerous symptoms of diazepam withdrawal include rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and seizures. Due to the potential for these dangerous effects, patients should not change the dose of their medicine without checking with their doctor. If the dose is reduced slowly, the withdrawal symptoms will be lessened.
Diazepam withdrawal after a long duration of use is difficult. It is available in small quantity doses of 2 milligram (mg) tablets, which can be divided into fourths for low incremental dose reductions. Some people prefer the liquid form of diazepam to help them gradually wean themselves from the last few milligrams. If the patient is on a total daily dose of 60 mg of the drug, the incremental process of weaning can take several months.
Patients on diazepam should follow some general guidelines for use. Diazepam should never be shared with a friend or family member, particularly if they are predisposed toward drug abuse. Patients should monitor the number of pills in the bottle so that they will know if a member of the household is using them. The drug should be kept in a safe spot where visitors to the home cannot get to it. Anyone who takes diazepam needs to be aware that it is a drug frequently abused.
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Citation: http://americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/drug-withdrawal-
timelines.png.pagespeed.ce.s-Z1eXoxgn.png
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In order to prevent tolerance and dependence, diazepam should not be used for a long period. As a general rule, it’s best to not take it longer than a four-month period, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. This can prevent the problem of diazepam withdrawal. Patients may need to undergo periodic blood and liver function tests in order to monitor the effects of diazepam. The most important thing to remember is not to take a dose greater than that which has been prescribed, as an overdose might be fatal.
Illustrated Handbook of Drugs & Alcohol Related Health Issues
What Are the Side Effects of Diazepam?
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug that can cause muscle relaxation, and is typically used to treat anxiety disorders and possibly seizure disorders. It also may be used to reduce dizziness in people who suffer from conditions like Meniere’s disease. The main side effects of diazepam are separated into benign and infrequent but serious effects requiring immediate medical attention. Not all users of this medication experience all of its adverse effects.
The benign side effects of diazepam are also sometimes seen as beneficial. Effects like drowsiness or feeling tired may be desirable if it is used for sleep or to reduce anxiety. Other effects may not be as pleasant, and some of them include: excess drooling, slight memory impairment, impairment of motor skills or hand eye coordination required to drive a vehicle, dry mouth, disinterest in sex, changes in speech pronunciation or speed, drunkenness or dizziness, rash, stomach upset that could include changes in bowel movements or vomiting, headaches, and changes to visual acuity that blur vision. These effects are not necessarily dangerous, but a high number of adverse effects should be mentioned to a physician, as another medication may be more appropriate.
The serious side effects of diazepam should be noted so a person can get medical attention right away if one or more of these occur. The drug can cause a severe allergy reaction, which is often evidenced by difficult breathing, rash or hives, and swelling of the lips, face, and tongue. Valium may also cause increased suicidal thinking, hallucinations, confusion, fainting feelings, reduced or faint breathing, a sudden onset of flu symptoms that include fever, chills and muscle aches, tremors, involuntary muscle movement or twitches, decreased inhibitions with behavior that creates physical, emotional or financial risk, double vision, or jaundice.
A number of medications and substances either should not be taken or may enhance the side effects of diazepam. Most psychiatric medicines are included in this list, though they are frequently prescribed with Valium. Other medications like anti­seizure drugs and pain medications may also interact with it. Doctors should have a complete list of patient medications prior to prescribing diazepam, and should know about patient use of cannabis or alcohol, since both of these may have a stronger effect when used with Valium.
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Citation: http://images.wisegeek.com/person-bent-over-clutching-stomach.jpg
Certain conditions also contraindicate use and could increase side effects of diazepam. People who are pregnant or nursing, or who have eye diseases like glaucoma should avoid most of the benzodiazepines. Other conditions that could contraindicate or limit use include breathing problems like sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, advanced diseases of the liver, and myasthenia gravis. Long­term use may create another of the side effects of diazepam. The drug tends to cause dependency, so people are advised to discontinue use through drug tapering. For some people, even tapering is challenging, and they may need more support to end medication use.
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After-Care
Aftercare is an important step in the treatment process for addiction (or any mental health issue, for that matter). It is the stepping stone between primary treatments such as residential drug addiction treatment and maintenance treatments. There are several different forms of aftercare and it is important to understand each one to be better to plan a successful recovery.
While most of these types of aftercare for drug addiction treatment are structured, there are some things that you can do on your own, too. It is important to create a strategy to prevent relapse and keep it with you at all times, for example. And carry a list of contact numbers for emergencies. Keeping a journal and a gratitude list can help, as well.
Formal aftercare for drug addiction treatment includes:
1. Step-down residential care
The first kind of aftercare is residential aftercare. This type of treatment is often beneficial for people with very heavy drug use little support and a social circle built around drugs. With this form of aftercare, addicts are able to have more freedom
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within a rehab center, which means that they may be able to go to work, have more social visits and retain control of their schedule. The benefits of this type of care stem from the high level of support available 24/7. However, step down care is a bridge to more responsibilities and, while structured, includes more privileges than residential treatments for addiction.
Illustrated Handbook of Drugs & Alcohol Related Health Issues
2. Daycare (outpatient addiction treatment)
Another form of aftercare is daycare. This allows people to access resources such as addiction counselors, therapy groups and doctors during the day while spending their nights and evenings with family. This type of treatment is great for people who have a good support network but still feel they will benefit from more intensive treatment. The up side of outpatient drug addiction aftercare is that it gives people the maximum amount of flexibility with their schedule while still providing the most of the benefits of a residential care facility.
3. Halfway houses
Residential stays of 6 months to a year can also benefit a recovering addict. This type of drug addiction aftercare treatment takes place in an independent and privately owned residence. Halfway houses are best managed when rules and guidelines include curfew, regular drug testing, and house rules. Living in a halfway house helps recovering drug addicts make new friends, get support, and stay in a drug­free environment before living on their own again.
Citation: http://zdrave24.bg/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%BA% D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B2% D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%BB%D0%B5%-
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