Description

This module provides an overview of topics related to alcohol use disorder, beginning with a review of the epidemiology related to the current alcohol use in our country.

You will then examine in detail, the pharmacology of alcohol and how to identify intoxication and withdrawal in your patients. To further expand your learning experience, you will learn how to assess and diagnose your patients for an alcohol use disorder by using the DSM-5 assessment criteria and several screening tools.

The module will round out with harm reduction and prevention techniques, medication assisted treatment options and medical co-morbidities.

Module Objectives

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Describe epidemiologic features of alcohol use disorders using national U.S. data sources, including prevalence, trends, correlates and risk factors
2. Describe the pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacological actions of alcohol
3. Identify and differentiate the signs and symptoms associated with alcohol intoxication and withdrawal
4. Interpret the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder and severity of symptoms and recognize how this information applies to the continuum of care for patients
5. Discuss prevention services that focus on helping patients make healthy choices or change harmful behaviors
6. Evaluate the various ways in which policies, programs and interventions have been proven to reduce the harmful effects associated with alcohol use disorders
7. Explain the use of pharmacologic interventions for detoxifying and managing withdrawal symptoms in patients dependent on alcohol in a safe and effective manner
8. State the psychiatric co-morbidities that are common among patients with alcohol use disorder, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, etc
9. Recognize the various types of evidence-based screening tools, referral, and care management strategies