ALCOHOLISM

What is Alcoholism?

• WHO (World Health Organization) defines alcoholism as a chronic disease or a disorder characterized by excessive alcohol intake and interference in the individuals health, interpersonal relationship and economic functioning.
• Considered to be present when there is .1% or 10 ml for every 1000 ml blood.

What happens at level?

• .1-.2% (low coordination)
• .2-.3% (presence of ataxia, tremors, iritability, stupor)
• .3 and above (unconsciousness)

What are the etiological theories of alcoholism?

1. Psychoanalytic Theory - due to fixation in the oral stage of development.
2. Learning Theories - due to learned behavior
3. Biological Theories - due to inherited traits
4. Socio-cultural Theories - due to effects of mass media.

What are the phases of progression of alcoholism?

1. Pre-alcoholic Phase - starts with social drinking until tolernrace begins to develop
2. Prodromal Phase - alcohol becomes a need; blackout's occur; denial begins to develop
3. Crucial Phase - cardinal symptoms of alcoholism develops (loss of control over drinking)
4. Chronic Phase - the person becomes intoxicated all day

What are the possible OUTCOMES of alcoholism?

• Brain damage
• Alcoholic hallucinosis
• Death

What are the COMMON BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS OF THE ALCOHOLIC PATIENT?

• Denial
• Dependency
• Demanding
• Destructive
• Domineering

What are the Common withdrawal signs and symptoms that alcoholic patients experience?
H - allucinations, visual and tactile
I - ncreased vital signs
T - remors
S - weating and Seizure

What are the common defense mechanisms utilized by alcoholic patients?
D - enial
R - ationalization
I - solation
P - rojection

What are the common withdrawal syndromes experienced by alcoholic patients?
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What are the LONG TERM GOALS OF CARE for alcoholic patients?
C - ommunity resources and support system
O - ther means of coping
P - ersonal decision to avoid alcohol
I - ncreased self esteem
N - utrition: Increased Vitamin B & C, increased CHO diet
G - roup therapy, to enable the patient to develop insight into his problems

What is the PRIORITY NURSING DIAGNOSIS?

• Ineffective individual coping

What are the PRINCIPLES OF NURSING CARE?

• Provide a well lighted room
• Diet as tolerated
• Monitor vital signs
• Administration of glucose and vitamin supplements

What is the DRUG OF CHOICE for aversion therapy of the alcoholic?

• Disulfiram (antabuse) - delays the metabolism of alcohol

Instruct the patient to AVOID:
M - outh wash
O - ver the counter cold remedies
F - ood sauces made up of Wine
F - ruit flavored extracts
A - ftershave lotions
V - inegar
S - kin product