| Popis: |
Approximately half of all Americans drink alcohol, with 6% classified as heavy drinkers. At low levels, alcohol causes euphoria and disinhibition; at higher levels, it causes sedation and impaired memory and coordination. Overdose is characterized by drowsiness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Treatment is supportive. Withdrawal symptoms include tremors, seizures, and delirium and may be life-threatening. Diagnosis is based on the impact of alcohol use on an individual’s health, social functioning, and personal relationships. Levels of alcohol can be measured in the blood or breath. Medical complications include liver disease, hypertension, pancreatitis, dementia, and some cancers. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat moderate–severe alcohol withdrawal and to prevent delirium and seizures. Further treatment after withdrawal is required for long-term recovery. Brief advice is effective for problem drinkers. Self-help groups, counseling, and residential treatment help some with more severe problems. A number of pharmacotherapies are modestly effective, including naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin. Disulfiram may be effective for selected individuals. |
