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0521779407-02 CUNY1086/Karliner 0 521 77940 7 June 7, 2007 19:18
86 Alcohol Abuse, Dependence, and WithdrawalSigns & Symptoms
■Alcohol intoxication:
➣Depends on absolute blood levels, rate & duration of consump-
tion, & tolerance of individual
In nonhabituated individuals, blood alcohol levels of & cause:
30 mg/100 mL: mild euphoria
50 mg/100 mL: mild coordination problems
100 mg/100 mL: ataxia
200 mg/100 mL: confusion & decreased consciousness
400 mg/100 mL: anesthesia, coma, & death
■Blackouts:
➣Transient episodes of amnesia associated to acute intoxicat-
ion
➣Dense anterograde amnesia for events & behaviors during intox-
ication
➣Occur late in course of alcoholism
➣Directly correlated w/ severity & duration of alcoholism
■Alcohol withdrawal syndromes:
➣Syndromes emerges after period of relative or absolute absti-
nence from alcohol
➣May occur during period of continuous alcohol consumption
■Early withdrawal:
➣Onset: first day, peaking 24–48 h after abstinence
➣Uncomplicated: tremulousness, general irritability, nausea &
vomiting
Associated w/ eye openers in order to calm nerves
Usually subside in 5–7 d
Irritability & insomnia may persist >10 d
Complicating symptoms may last for 10–14 d:
Nausea
Vomiting
Tension
General malaise
Autonomic hyperactivity
Tachycardia
Insomnia
■Alcohol hallucinosis:
➣Onset: first day, peaking 72 h after abstinence
➣Usually auditory or visual hallucinations
➣Sensorium clear & vital signs stable