Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Intoxication: > 3 standard drinks in female, > 6 in males / day Dependence: >8 in female , > 10 in males / day everyday. ----craving for alcohol ---- inability to reduce or stop alcohol consumption ---- experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol consumption ---- increased tolerance of alcohol
Alcohol abuse or alcoholism: A pattern of pathological use for at least a month causing impairment in social & occupational functioning and deterioration of physical health.
The need to drink becomes more intense Physical effects of alcoholism as well as psychological effects of alcohol dependency Chronic hangovers Denial Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking Increasing tolerance More frequent blackouts The loss of control becomes more pronounced, meaning that the individual is unable to drink according to his or her intentions. Third stage Unreasonable resentments The start of physical deterioration Increasing tremors Relationships fail
Physical Effects
Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle), heart failure, and strokes Alcohol liver disease, Cirrhosis of the liver Gastritis & ulcers from the perforation of the stomach and the intestines Pancreatitis Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and impotence in men Neurological damage- peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, dementia, cerebellar dysfunction Increased risk of cancer, diabetes
Psychological effect
Depression & Anxiety Dis- social personality disorder Hallucinations Communication with a patient Open ended- Tell me about your drinking Non judgmental- I accept you, do not judge you Non Confrontational- Drinking is very bad for you so you must quit Emphatic- How can I help you with your drinking Win patients trust & confidence- You are very courageous to tell me about this Develop rapport Ensure confidentiality Be culturally sensitive
Associated symptoms
Problems in sleeping Headaches Vision problems Pain in abdomen, jaundice Palpitations Feeling depressed or anxious Blackouts Memory problems Weight gain / loss In females obstetric history and any problems in the child CAGE Questionnaire C- Have you ever felt the need to cut down drinking A- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking G- Have you felt guilty about drinking E- Eye opener- Do you drink the first thing in the morning 2 positive points are considered as identifying factors for an alcohol problem.