Alcohol Abuse

Types of alcohol abuse

• alcoholism - dependent on alcohol, drinking every day
• binge drinking - not drinking every day, but drinking ot excess on some days

What is a standard drink

• 10g of alcohol

Safe recommended drinking

• 2 drinks of alcohol on most days
• No more than 4 drinks on one occasion - once you reach 4, risk of injury is doubled.
• no alcohol if under 18years, pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the problem with too much alcohol?

• Acute injury
• Self harm
• liver disease
• stomach ulcer
• osteoporosis
• cancer
• obesity
• depression

How can the GP help?

• Assess
• CAGE questionnaire
• assess stage of change
• medications, counselling
• in or outpatient detox
• care for the person who chooses not to stop drinking

what are the medications

• Benzodiazipines - prevent acute withdrawal
• Reducing craving -naltrexone, acamprosate
• deterrent - disulfuram
• treat depression, vitamin deficiencies

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