Alcohol abuse is a psychiatric diagnosis describing the use of alcoholic beverages despite negative consequences. Alcohol abuse is different from alcohol dependence means by the lack of symptoms such as tolerance and withdrawal.
Effect of Substance:
Drunkenness, drowsiness, behavioral changes, poor judgment, coordination difficulty, slurred speech, inappropriate sexual behavior, aggression, memory problems, nystagmus, poor attention span, stupor, coma.
Effect of Withdrawal:
Altered consciousness, agitation, aggressiveness, anxiety, fear, confusion, delusions, disorientation, hallucinations, insomnia, blackouts, profuse sweating, acute psychosis, tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, anorexia, nausea, grand mall seizure, abdominal cramps, tremors, and vomiting.
Treatment:
- Detoxification
- Drugs: benzodiazepines, anti-seizure dugs.
- Behavior therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Halfway houses
- Day or night hospitalization
- Twelve-step support groups
Nursing Intervention:
- Maintain client safety
- Orient patient to place, person, and time
- Monitor vital signs and neurologic status, and notify physician if any abnormal value.
- Quiet environment with a light on
- Record intake and output
- Encourage patient to express fears and anxiety
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