Introduction to Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Question 1

What is alcohol use disorder (AUD) / alcoholism?

Answer 1

Out-of-control alcohol use.

Question 2

If a person with AUD stops drinking, that can cause complications and they can develop a set of symptoms called?

Answer 2

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Question 3

What is a risk factor?

Answer 3

Something that increases the chance of a certain event or condition happening. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, meaning it increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer.

Question 4

What does physiological mean?

Answer 4

Normal functions and processes of living organisms and their parts. How the body works to maintain health and perform its various functions.

Question 5

What is the depressant effect?

Answer 5

The action of substances / drugs that slow down or inhibit the activity of the central nervous system. This can result in reduced alertness, relaxation of muscles, slowed breathing and heart rate, and a general feeling of calmness or sedation.

Question 6

Fill in the missing gaps:

When you consume _______, certain areas of the brain start to work less, having a _________ effect. This results in _____ _______ and ______ movements. A person who drinks alcohol regularly may build a _________ to these effects.

Answer 6

When you consume alcohol, certain areas of the brain start to work less, having a depressant effect. This results in slow thinking and muscle movements. A person who drinks alcohol regularly may build a tolerance to these effects.

Question 7

Fill in the missing gaps:

When the _____ is no longer exposed to ______, it reacts by having the opposite effect of alcohol – _________. This effect can happen to any individual regardless of how little or big their alcohol consumption levels are. These changes result in symptoms of _______ __________.

Answer 7

When the brain is no longer exposed to alcohol, it reacts by having the opposite effect of alcohol – overstimulation. This effect can happen to any individual regardless of how little or big their alcohol consumption levels are. These changes result in symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Question 8

The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may be grouped into three major classes. What are they?

Answer 8

Autonomic, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system (CNS) changes.

Question 9

What does autonomic mean?

Answer 9

The word autonomic refers to the part of your body that works automatically, without you having to think about it.

Question 10

What is autonomic overactivity?

Answer 10

Autonomic overactivity refers to a situation where the autonomic nervous system becomes excessively active, leading to an imbalance in the body’s automatic functions.

Question 11

True or false: People with symptoms of withdrawal must be treated in hospital.

Answer 11

False - Most people with symptoms of withdrawal can be treated outside of the hospital setting with close monitoring.

Question 12

What is the name of the class of medication called that help ease symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 12

Benzodiazepines (benzos)
[ben-zo-die-a-za-peenez]

Question 13

The following are risk factors for?

• More than 2 drinks per day (men)
• More than 1 drink per day (women)
• Prolonged heavy use
• Hx of withdrawal
• Chronic medical conditions
• Malnutrition
• Fatigue
• Depression

Answer 13

Risk factors for alcohol withdrawal.

Question 14

What are benzodiazepines?

Answer 14

They are a class of medication used to treat AWS symptoms. They are depressant drugs which means they work by depressing the CNS and which induce feelings of calm (anxiolysis), drowsiness and sleep. They are used when detoxing alcohol.

Question 15

What are some options in dealing with alcoholism?

Answer 15

 Detoxification (detox)
 Support groups
 Counselling or therapy
 Medication

Question 16

What is the first step in managing alcohol and other drug (AOD) withdrawals?
(hint: one word)

Answer 16

Assessment