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What criteria are used to diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the DSM-5-TR? - Answers 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? - Answers 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? - Answers Slurred speech
Incoordination
Unsteady gait
Nystagmus
Impaired attention or memory
Stupor or coma (in severe cases)
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? - Answers 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? - Answers 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? - Answers Benzodiazepines (e.g.,
lorazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) to prevent seizures and DTs.
What medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder? - Answers 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? - Answers Naltrexone (can
cause hepatotoxicity)
What are common screening tools for alcohol use disorder? - Answers AUDIT (Alcohol Use
Disorders Identification Test) - Identifies hazardous drinking
CAGE questionnaire - 4-question screening for alcohol dependence (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty,
Eye-opener)
CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol) - Assesses alcohol withdrawal
severity
What are common screening tools for opioid use disorder? - Answers ORT (Opioid Risk Tool) -
Assesses risk of opioid misuse
SOAPP (Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain) - Evaluates risk of opioid
abuse in chronic pain patients
DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) - General screening for drug use disorders
What are the medication-assisted treatments (MAT) for opioid use disorder? - Answers
Methadone - Full opioid agonist, reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) - Partial agonist, reduces cravings and withdrawal, lower
overdose risk
Naltrexone - Opioid antagonist, blocks euphoric effects, best for highly motivated patients
Which medication is first-line for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder? - Answers
Methadone or Buprenorphine (without naloxone)
What is precipitated withdrawal, and how does it occur? - Answers A rapid and severe
withdrawal reaction that happens when a patient on opioids is given naltrexone or