1 | Page
NU 665C Regis College Questions and
Answers
What criteria are used to diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD) in
the DSM-5-TR?
Ans: The DSM-5-TR uses 11 criteria, including impaired control, social
impairment, risky use, and pharmacologic indicators
(tolerance/withdrawal). A diagnosis is made based on:
Mild: 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
Severe: 6 or more symptoms
What are common behavioral signs of alcohol use disorder?
Ans: Cravings for alcohol
Continued use despite consequences
Drinking larger amounts or for longer than intended
Failed attempts to cut down
Neglect of responsibilities
What are the symptoms of alcohol intoxication?
Ans: Slurred speech
Incoordination
Unsteady gait
Nystagmus
Impaired attention or memory
Stupor or coma (in severe cases)
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
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, 2 | Page
Ans: Tremors (6-12 hours after last drink)
Anxiety, agitation
Tachycardia, hypertension
Insomnia
Seizures (12-48 hours after last drink)
Delirium tremens (DTs) - Hallucinations, confusion, autonomic instability
(48-72 hours after last drink)
What is delirium tremens (DTs), and when does it occur?
Ans: A severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome with confusion,
hallucinations, and autonomic hyperactivity (tachycardia, hypertension).
Occurs 48-72 hours after last drink.
What is the first-line treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal?
Ans: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) to
prevent seizures and DTs.
What medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder?
Ans: Naltrexone - Blocks opioid receptors, reduces cravings
Acamprosate - Modulates glutamate, reduces cravings
Disulfiram - Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing an aversive
reaction if alcohol is consumed
Which medication should be avoided in patients with liver
disease?
Ans: Naltrexone (can cause hepatotoxicity)
What are common screening tools for alcohol use disorder?
© 2025 All rights reserved
NU 665C Regis College Questions and
Answers
What criteria are used to diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD) in
the DSM-5-TR?
Ans: The DSM-5-TR uses 11 criteria, including impaired control, social
impairment, risky use, and pharmacologic indicators
(tolerance/withdrawal). A diagnosis is made based on:
Mild: 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
Severe: 6 or more symptoms
What are common behavioral signs of alcohol use disorder?
Ans: Cravings for alcohol
Continued use despite consequences
Drinking larger amounts or for longer than intended
Failed attempts to cut down
Neglect of responsibilities
What are the symptoms of alcohol intoxication?
Ans: Slurred speech
Incoordination
Unsteady gait
Nystagmus
Impaired attention or memory
Stupor or coma (in severe cases)
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: Tremors (6-12 hours after last drink)
Anxiety, agitation
Tachycardia, hypertension
Insomnia
Seizures (12-48 hours after last drink)
Delirium tremens (DTs) - Hallucinations, confusion, autonomic instability
(48-72 hours after last drink)
What is delirium tremens (DTs), and when does it occur?
Ans: A severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome with confusion,
hallucinations, and autonomic hyperactivity (tachycardia, hypertension).
Occurs 48-72 hours after last drink.
What is the first-line treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal?
Ans: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) to
prevent seizures and DTs.
What medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder?
Ans: Naltrexone - Blocks opioid receptors, reduces cravings
Acamprosate - Modulates glutamate, reduces cravings
Disulfiram - Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing an aversive
reaction if alcohol is consumed
Which medication should be avoided in patients with liver
disease?
Ans: Naltrexone (can cause hepatotoxicity)
What are common screening tools for alcohol use disorder?
© 2025 All rights reserved
