Substance Use

Question 1

Discuss the management of Acute Alcohol withdrawal

Answer 1

1. Stabilise patient
2. Definitive treatment
   -Benzodiazepine
   -Reduces severity of withdrawal
   -Reduces risk of complications
   -Reduces morbidity
   -Risk: Sedation and Resp depression in overdose
   7 days max duration
3. Supportive treatment
   -monitor vitals
   -correct fluids, electrolyte and nutritional
   -manage complications of alcohol abuse eg gastritis, GERD, liver dysfunction, cardiomyopathy etc
4. Psychosocial Management
   -Therapy (eg CBT)
   -family education
   -MI
   -support groups
   -social skills

Question 2

Short acting Benzos

Answer 2

Lorazepam

Question 3

Long acting benzos

Answer 3

Diazepam