Essentials: Alcohol Use Problems: Recommendations for Medical Management-Event Handout

Event Handout

Pdf Summary

The document discusses alcohol use problems and provides recommendations for medical management. It begins by stating the objectives of the content, which include understanding the origin of co-morbid illness, common presentations, and the basic principles of treatment for co-morbid patients. The document then delves into topics such as epidemiology, co-morbidities, and the neurobiology of alcohol. It highlights the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including various types of cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular issues. The document also discusses the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in the United States and the co-morbidity of alcohol problems with other psychiatric illnesses. Additionally, it explores the neurobiological aspects of alcohol intoxication and the role of various neurotransmitters in its effects. The document touches on the importance of screening and brief interventions for alcohol use disorders in primary care settings. It explains different methods of screening, such as a single question or using the AUDIT questionnaire. The treatment section includes information on medication-assisted withdrawal techniques, relapse prevention, family therapy, and social support. It also highlights the use of medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate for preventing relapse to alcohol use. The document concludes by encouraging continued research and development of new treatments for alcohol use problems.

Keywords

alcohol use problems

medical management

co-morbid illness

common presentations

treatment principles

health risks

alcohol use disorders

neurobiological aspects

screening

relapse prevention