Substance Abuse Medication Quiz

Questions and Answers

What are the common acute withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal?

Rhinorrhea, myoclonus, and hyperreflexia

Which medication is NOT recommended for opioid withdrawal management alone without ongoing treatment?

Acamprosate

What is the main purpose of Medication Assisted Treatment/Recovery (MAT/MAR)?

To reduce cravings and blunt euphoria in patients

What is the main role of Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination in treating opioid dependence?

To block effects of opioids and prevent patients from injecting it Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the CIWA-Ar scale in the context of alcohol withdrawal?

To assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms in a patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal?

Enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential side effects of benzodiazepines when used for acute alcohol withdrawal?

Central nervous system depression and potential for abuse Signup and view all the answers

Why is the use of benzodiazepines symptom-triggered in alcohol withdrawal management?

To minimize the risk of overdose and respiratory depression Signup and view all the answers

In the context of refractory DTs, which of the following should be considered for the patient?

Phenobarbital Signup and view all the answers

For patients with refractory DTs or concern for benzodiazepine seeking, which medication is beneficial according to the provided information?

Phenobarbital Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Management

Common acute withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate.
Methadone is NOT recommended for opioid withdrawal management alone without ongoing treatment due to its potential for misuse and the need for comprehensive management.
Medication Assisted Treatment/Recovery (MAT/MAR) aims to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, facilitating recovery and promoting adherence to treatment.

Buprenorphine/Naloxone in Opioid Dependence

Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination serves to treat opioid dependence by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings while reducing the risk of misuse.

Alcohol Withdrawal Management

The CIWA-Ar scale evaluates withdrawal severity and guides treatment decisions, helping to ensure timely intervention.
Benzodiazepines act through GABA-A receptor modulation, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission to mitigate withdrawal symptoms during acute alcohol withdrawal.
Potential side effects of benzodiazepines can include sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, increased risk of falls, and dependence.

Symptom-Triggered Treatment

Benzodiazepines are used in a symptom-triggered manner during alcohol withdrawal management to tailor treatment to the individual’s needs and minimize excessive sedation.
In cases of refractory Delirium Tremens (DTs), the use of phenobarbital can be considered to help stabilize the patient.
For patients with refractory DTs or those at risk for benzodiazepine seeking behavior, adjunctive treatment with dexmedetomidine is beneficial to manage severe symptoms.

Description

Test your knowledge of medications used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid withdrawal and to treat substance use disorders. Explore the effects, symptoms, and signs of acute and protracted withdrawal, as well as the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Score (COWS) and Medication Assisted Treatment/Recovery (MAT).