Copyright Alcohol Medical Scholars Program1 Medical Consequences of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders...

Copyright Alcohol Medical Scholars Program 1

Medical Consequences of Alcohol and Drug Use

Disorders

Eric B. Raimo, M.D.


www.alcoholmedicalscholars.org


Overview

• Acute effects

• Chronic heavy use

• Withdrawal


Epidemiology

• 20-40% hospital admissions

• Outpatient setting

• 100,000 deaths per year

• Alcoholics who continue drinking have a shortened life-span of 15 years


Acute Effects

• CNS– accidents

• Gastrointestinal

• Respiratory– overdose


Overview

• Acute effects


• Withdrawal


Effects of Chronic Heavy Drinking

• CNS– Neuropathies– Cerebellar

degeneration– Dementia– Wernicke-Korsakoff’s

syndrome



• Gastrointestinal– Alimentary/stomach– Liver– Pancreas

• Cardiovascular– Hypertension– Cardiomyopathy– Stroke



• Reproductive



• Hematologic

• Musculoskeletal

• Endocrine

• Dermatologic


Biological Markers of Chronic Heavy Drinking

• GGT (>30)

• CDT (>20)

• MCV (>90)

• AST/ALT


Overview

• Acute effects


• Withdrawal


Withdrawal Effects

• Rule of thumb:–Withdrawal effects are opposite

of intoxication sx/signs

• Alcohol withdrawal


Alcohol-Drug Interactions

• Illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin)

• Prescription drugs(e.g., benzodiazepines, metronidazole)

• Over-the-counter drugs (e.g., acetaminophen) Rx


Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• Growth retardation

• Facial dysmorphism

• Severe CNS dysfunction


Moderate Alcohol Use

• Cardiovascular

• Gallstones

• Other potential beneficial effects


Summary

• Alcohol can be medically hazardous acutely, with chronic high levels of use, and in withdrawal

• Every major organ system is affected

• Morbidity and mortality


Marijuana

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Learning

• Respiratory

• Immune system


Stimulants (Cocaine and Amphetamine)

• Cardiovascular

• Neurological

• Injection risks


Opioids

• Overdose

• Injection risks

• Gastrointestinal

• Musculoskeletal


Other Drugs

• PCP

• Inhalants


Summary

• Alcohol and drugs of abuse are physically hazardous

• Medical consequences are associated intoxication, chronic heavy use, and withdrawal

• Specific drugs affect major organ systems differently

• Morbidity and mortality

Copyright Alcohol Medical Scholars Program1 Medical Consequences of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders...

Documents

Transcript of Copyright Alcohol Medical Scholars Program1 Medical Consequences of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders...