The PMHNP Podcast: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Screening and Treatment

Clarity Education Systems and www.PMHNPtesting.com

Dr. John Rossi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CNP

Episode Description: Welcome to The PMHNP Podcast! In this comprehensive episode, we delve into the intricacies of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), covering everything from the basics of alcohol and its effects on the brain to the most effective screening tools and treatment options available today. Find more topics and focused study points for the PMHNP certification exam at www.PMHNPtesting.com!

What is Alcohol? Discover the nature of alcohol, specifically ethanol, and understand how this psychoactive substance is produced through fermentation. Learn about its role as a central nervous system depressant and its widespread use as a recreational substance.

Why is Alcohol Abused? Explore the multifaceted reasons behind alcohol abuse, including genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. We discuss how social influences, stress relief, pleasurable effects, and addiction contribute to problematic drinking behaviors.

Brain Areas Affected by Alcohol: Gain insight into how alcohol impacts various brain regions, such as the cerebral cortex, limbic system, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and medulla.

Understand the roles of key neurotransmitters like GABA, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins in alcohol’s effects and addiction.

Differences in Alcohol Intoxication Between Men and Women: Learn about the differences in alcohol metabolism between men and women, influenced by body composition, enzymatic activity, and hormonal factors. Understand why women are more susceptible to alcohol-related damage even at lower levels of consumption.

DSM-5 Categorization of Drinking Disorders: We break down the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), criteria for diagnosing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Understand the continuum from mild to severe AUD and the 11 symptoms used for diagnosis.

Screening Tools for AUD: Discover the importance of early detection through evidence-based screening tools such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the CAGE questionnaire, and the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST). Learn how these tools help in identifying and categorizing the severity of AUD.

Treatment Options for Alcoholism: Explore a range of treatment options tailored to the severity of AUD, including detoxification and withdrawal management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, support groups, and dual diagnosis treatment.

We discuss how psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play a crucial role in managing and supporting these treatments.

Medications for AUD: Get detailed information on key medications used in the treatment of AUD, including acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone.

Learn about their mechanisms of action, dosages, administration guidelines, and clinical considerations.

Join us for an in-depth discussion that will equip you with the knowledge to better understand, screen, and treat Alcohol Use Disorder effectively. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone seeking to learn more about AUD, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical information.

Subscribe and Listen: Don't miss out on this informative episode! Subscribe to The PMHNP Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for more expert insights and discussions on mental health and psychiatric care.

Clarity Education Systems and www.PMHNPtesting.com

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