ALCOHOL-RELATED DISORDERS

ALCOHOL-RELATED DISORDERS
DSM-IV
ALCOHOL-INDUCED DISORDERS
303.00 Alcohol intoxication
291.81 Alcohol withdrawal
291.89 Alcohol-induced mood disorder
291.89 Alcohol-induced anxiety disorder
292.81 Intoxication delirium

Alcohol is a CNS depressant drug that is used socially in our society for many reasons (e.g., to enhance the flavor of food, to encourage relaxation and conviviality, for feelings of celebration, and as a sacred ritual in some religious ceremonies). Therapeutically, it is the major ingredient in many OTC/prescription medications. It can be harmless, enjoyable, and sometimes beneficial when used responsibly and in moderation. Like other mind-altering drugs, however, it has the potential for abuse and, in fact, is the most widely abused drug in the United States (research suggests 5% to 10% of the adult population) and is potentially fatal. Frequently, the client in a residential care setting has been using alcohol in conjunction with other drugs. It is believed that alcohol is often used by clients who have other mental illnesses to assuage the pain they feel. The term “dual diagnosis” is used to mean an association between the use/abuse of drugs (including alcohol) and other psychiatric diagnoses. It may be difficult to determine cause and effect in any given situation to determine an accurate diagnosis. However, it is important to recognize when both conditions are present so that the often-overwhelming problems of treatment are instituted for both conditions.
This plan of care for Alcohol related disorders addresses acute intoxication/withdrawal and is to be used in conjunction with CP: Substance Dependence/Abuse Rehabilitation.
ETIOLOGICAL THEORIES
Psychodynamics
The individual remains fixed in a lower level of development, with retarded ego and weak superego. The person retains a highly dependent nature, with characteristics of poor impulse control, low frustration tolerance, and low self-esteem.
Biological
Enzymes, genes, brain chemistry, and hormones create and contribute to an individual’s response to alcohol. The two types of alcohol-related disorders are (1) familial, which is largely inherited, and (2) acquired. A childhood history of attention-deficit disorder or conduct disorder also increases a child’s risk of becoming alcoholic. Certain physiological changes also may cause addiction to alcohol, or alcoholism.
Family Dynamics
One in 12–15 persons has serious problems from drinking. In a dysfunctional family system, alcohol may be viewed as the primary method of relieving stress. Children of alcoholics are 4 times more likely to develop alcoholism than children of nonalcoholics. The child has negative role models and learns to respond to stressful situations in like manner. The use of alcohol is cultural, and many factors influence one’s decision to drink, how much, and how often. Denial of the illness can be a major barrier to identification and treatment of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
CLIENT ASSESSMENT DATA BASE
Data depend on the duration/extent of alcohol use, concurrent use of other drugs, degree of organ involvement, and presence of other psychiatric conditions.
Activity/Rest
Difficulty sleeping, not feeling well rested
Circulation
Peripheral pulses weak, irregular, or rapid
Hypertension common in early withdrawal stage but may become labile/progress to hypotension
Tachycardia common during acute withdrawal
Ego Integrity
Feelings of guilt/shame; defensiveness about drinking
Denial, rationalization
Reports of multiple stressors; problems with relationships
Multiple stressors/losses (relationships, employment, financial)
Use of substances to deal with life stressors, boredom, etc.
Elimination
Diarrhea
Bowel sounds varied (may reflect gastric complications [e.g., gastric hemorrhage])
Food/Fluid
Nausea/vomiting, food tolerance
Muscle wasting, dry/dull hair, swollen salivary glands, inflamed buccal cavity, capillary fragility (malnutrition)
Generalized tissue edema may be noted (protein deficiencies)
Gastric distension; ascites, liver enlargement (seen in cirrhosis)
Neurosensory
“Internal shakes”
Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, “blackouts”
Psychopathology such as paranoid schizophrenia, major depression (may indicate dual diagnosis)
Level of Consciousness/Orientation: Confusion, stupor, hyperactivity, distorted thought processes, slurred/incoherent speech
Memory loss/confabulation
Affect/Mood/Behavior: May be fearful, anxious, easily startled, inappropriate, silly, euphoric, irritable, physically/verbally abusive, depressed, and/or paranoid
Hallucinations: Visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory (e.g., picking items out of air or responding verbally to unseen person/voices)
Nystagmus (associated with cranial nerve palsy)
Pupil constriction (may indicate CNS depression)
Arcus senilis, a ringlike opacity of the cornea (normal in aging populations, suggests alcohol-related changes in younger clients)
Fine motor tremors of face, tongue, and hands; seizure activity (commonly grand mal)
Gait unsteady/ataxia (may be due to thiamine deficiency or cerebellar degeneration [Wernicke’s encephalopathy])
Pain/Discomfort
May report constant upper abdominal pain and tenderness radiating to the back (pancreatic inflammation)
Respiration
History of tobacco use, recurrent/chronic respiratory problems
Tachypnea (hyperactive state of alcohol withdrawal)
Cheyne-Stokes respirations or respiratory depression
Breath Sounds: Diminished/adventitious sounds (suggests pulmonary complications [e.g., respiratory depression, pneumonia])
Safety
History of recurrent accidents, such as falls, fractures, lacerations, burns, blackouts, or automobile accidents
Skin: Flushed face/palms of hands, scars, ecchymotic areas, cigarette burns on fingers, spider nevi (impaired portal circulation); fissures at corners of mouth (vitamin deficiency)
Fractures, healed or new (signs of recent/recurrent trauma)
Temperature elevation (dehydration and sympathetic stimulation); flushing/diaphoresis (suggests presence of infection)
Suicidal ideation/attempts (some research suggests alcoholic suicide attempts are 30% higher than national average for general population)
Social Interactions
Frequent sick days off work/school, fighting with others, arrests (disorderly conduct, motor vehicle violations [DUIs])
Denial that alcohol intake has any significant effect on the present condition/situation
Dysfunctional family system of origin; problems in current relationships
Mood changes affecting interactions with others
Teaching/Learning
History of alcohol and/or other drug use/abuse (including tobacco)
Ignorance and/or denial of addiction to alcohol or inability to cut down or stop drinking despite repeated efforts
Large amount of alcohol consumed in last 24–48 hours, previous periods of abstinence/withdrawal
Previous hospitalizations for alcoholism/alcohol-related diseases (e.g., cirrhosis, esophageal varices)
Family history of alcoholism/substance use
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES
Blood Alcohol/Drug Levels: Alcohol level may/may not be severely elevated depending on amount consumed and length of time between consumption and testing. In addition to alcohol, numerous controlled/illicit substances may be identified in a polydrug screen (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine, morphine, Percodan, Quaalude).
CBC: Decreased (Hb/Hct) may reflect such problems as iron-deficiency anemia or acute/chronic GI bleeding. White blood cell count may be increased with infection or decreased, if immunosuppressed.
Glucose: Hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia may be present, related to pancreatitis, malnutrition, or depletion of liver glycogen stores.
Electrolytes: Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are common.
Liver Function Tests: CPK, LDH, AST, ALT, and amylase may be elevated, reflecting liver or pancreatic damage.
Nutritional Tests: Albumin is low and total protein decreased. Vitamin deficiencies are usually present, reflecting malnutrition/malabsorption.
Other Screening Studies (e.g., Hepatitis, HIV, TB): Dependent on general condition, individual risk factors, and care setting.
Urinalysis: Infection may be identified; ketones may be present related to breakdown of fatty acids in malnutrition (pseudodiabetic condition).
Chest X-Ray: May reveal right lower lobe pneumonia (malnutrition, depressed immune system, aspiration) or chronic lung disorders associated with tobacco use.
ECG: Dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and/or ischemia may be present owing to direct effect of alcohol on the cardiac muscle and/or conduction system, as well as effects of electrolyte imbalance.
Addiction Severity Index (ASI): An assessment tool that produces a “problem severity profile” of the client, including chemical, medical, psychological, legal, family/social, and employment/support aspects, indicating areas of treatment needs.
NURSING PRIORITIES
1. Maintain physiological stability during withdrawal phase.
2. Promote client safety.
3. Provide appropriate referral and follow-up.
4. Encourage/support SO involvement in Intervention (confrontation) process.
DISCHARGE GOALS
1. Homeostasis achieved.
2. Complications prevented/resolved.
3. Sobriety being maintained on a day-to-day basis.
4. Ongoing participation in a rehabilitation program/attendance at group therapy (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).
5. Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
This plan of care is to be used in conjunction with CP: Substance Dependence/Abuse Rehabilitation.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS BREATHING PATTERN, risk for ineffective
Risk Factors May Include: Direct effect of alcohol toxicity on respiratory center and/or sedative drugs given to decrease alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Tracheobronchial obstruction
Presence of chronic respiratory problems, inflammatory process
Decreased energy/fatigue
Possibly Evidenced by: [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes Evaluation Criteria— Maintain effective respiratory pattern with
Client Will: respiratory rate within normal range, lungs clear, free of cyanosis and other signs/symptoms of hypoxia.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Monitor respiratory rate/depth and pattern as Frequent assessment is important because toxicity indicated. Note periods of apnea, Cheyne-Stokes levels may change rapidly. Hyperventilation is respirations. common during acute withdrawal phase. Kussmaul respirations are sometimes present because of acidotic state associated with vomiting and malnutrition. However, marked respiratory depression can occur because of CNS depressant effects of alcohol. This may be compounded by drugs used to control alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Elevate head of bed. Decreases possibility of aspiration; lowers diaphragm, enhancing lung inflation.
Encourage cough/deep breathing exercises and Facilitates lung expansion and mobilization of frequent position changes. secretions to reduce risk of atelectasis/pneumonia.
Auscultate breath sounds. Note presence of Client is at risk for atelectasis related to adventitious sounds (e.g., rhonchi, wheezes). hypoventilation and pneumonia. Right lower lobe pneumonia is common in alcohol-debilitated clients and is often due to aspiration. Chronic lung diseases are also common (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis).
Have suction equipment, airway adjuncts available. Sedative effects of alcohol/drugs potentiate risk of aspiration, relaxation of oropharyngeal muscles, and respiratory depression, requiring intervention to prevent respiratory arrest.
Collaborative
Administer supplemental oxygen if necessary. Hypoxia may occur with CNS/respiratory depression.
Review chest x-rays, pulse oximetry as Monitors presence of secondary complications available/indicated. such as atelectasis/pneumonia; evaluates effectiveness of respiratory effort, identifies therapy needs.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS CARDIAC OUTPUT, risk for decreased
Risk Factors May Include: Direct effect of alcohol on the heart muscle
Altered systemic vascular resistance
Electrical alterations in rate, rhythm, conduction
Possibly Evidenced by: [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria— Display vital signs within client’s normal range;
Client Will: absence of/reduced frequency of dysrhythmias.
Demonstrate an increase in activity tolerance.
Verbalize understanding of the effect of alcohol on the heart.

ACTION/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Monitor vital signs frequently during acute Hypertension frequently occurs in acute withdrawal. withdrawal phase. Extreme hyperexcitability accompanied by catecholamine release and increased peripheral vascular resistance raises BP (and heart rate). However, BP may become labile/progress to hypotension. Note: Client may have underlying cardiovascular disease that is compounded by substance withdrawal.
Monitor cardiac rate/rhythm. Document Long-term alcohol abuse may result in irregularities/dysrhythmias. cardiomyopathy/congestive heart failure. Tachycardia is common owing to sympathetic response to increased circulating catecholamines. Irregularities/dysrhythmias may develop with electrolyte shifts/imbalance. All of these may have an adverse effect on cardiac function/output.
Monitor body temperature. Elevation may occur because of sympathetic stimulation, dehydration, and/or infections, causing vasodilation and compromising venous return/cardiac output.
Monitor intake/output. Note 24-hour fluid balance. Preexisting dehydration, vomiting, fever, and diaphoresis may result in decreased circulating volume, which can compromise cardiovascular function. Note: Hydration is difficult to assess in the alcoholic because the usual indicators are not reliable, and overhydration is a risk in the presence of compromised cardiac function.
Be prepared for/assist in cardiopulmonary Causes of death during acute withdrawal stages resuscitation. include cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory depression/arrest, oversedation, excessive psychomotor activity, severe dehydration or overhydration, and massive infections. Mortality for unrecognized/untreated delirium tremens (DTs) may be as high as 15%–25%.
Collaborative
Monitor laboratory studies (e.g., serum Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., potassium/electrolyte levels). magnesium) potentiates risk of cardiac dysrhythmias and CNS excitability.
Administer medications as indicated: e.g., clonidine Although the use of benzodiazepines is often (Catapres), atenolol (Tenormin); sufficient to control hypertension during initial withdrawal from alcohol, some clients may require more specific therapy. Note: Atenolol and other beta-adrenergic blockers may speed up the withdrawal process and eliminate tremors, as well as lower heart rate, BP, and body temperature, reducing the need for benzodiazepines.
Potassium. Corrects deficits that can result in life-threatening dysrhythmias.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS INJURY, risk for (specify)
Risk Factors May Include: Cessation of alcohol intake with varied autonomic nervous system responses to the suddenly altered state
Involuntary clonic/tonic muscle activity (convulsions)
Equilibrium/balancing difficulties, reduced muscle and hand/eye coordination
Possibly Evidenced by: [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria— Demonstrate absence of untoward effects of
Client Will: withdrawal.
Experience no physical injury.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Identify stage of alcohol withdrawal, symptoms: Prompt recognition and intervention may halt Stage I is associated with signs/symptoms of progression of symptoms and enhance hyperactivity (e.g., tremors, sleeplessness, nausea/ recovery/improve prognosis. In addition, vomiting, diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension). recurrence/progression of symptoms indicates Stage II is manifested by increased hyperactivity need for changes in drug therapy/more intense plus hallucinations and/or seizure activity. treatment.Stage III symptoms include delirium tremens (DTs) and extreme autonomic hyperactivity with profound confusion, anxiety, insomnia, fever.
Monitor/document seizure activity. Maintain patent Grand mal seizures are most common and may be airway. Provide environmental safety (e.g., padded related to decreased magnesium levels, side rails, bed in low position). hypoglycemia, elevated blood alcohol, history of head trauma/preexisting seizure disorder. Note: In absence of previous history of other pathology causing seizure activity, seizures usually stop spontaneously, requiring only symptomatic treatment.
Check deep-tendon reflexes. Assess gait, if possible. Reflexes may be depressed, absent, or hyperactive. Peripheral neuropathies are common, especially in malnourished clients. Ataxia (gait disturbance) is associated with Wernicke’s syndrome (thiamine deficiency) and cerebellar degeneration.
Assist with ambulation and self-care Prevents falls with resultant injury.activities as needed.
Provide for environmental safety when indicated. May be required when equilibrium, hand/(Refer to ND: Sensory/Perceptual alteration eye coordination problems exist.[specify].)
Collaborative
Administer IV/PO fluids with caution, as indicated. Cautious replacement corrects dehydration and promotes renal clearance of toxins while reducing risk of overhydration.
Administer medications as indicated:
Benzodiazepines such as: chlordiazepoxide Commonly used to control neuronal hyperactivity (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam that occurs as alcohol is detoxified. IV/PO (Klonopin); administration is the route preferred, as intramuscular absorption is unpredictable. Muscle-relaxant qualities are particularly helpful to the client in controlling the “shakes,” trembling, and ataxic quality of movements. Clients may initially require large doses to achieve desired effect, and then the drug(s) may be tapered and discontinued, usually within 96 hours. Note: These agents must be used cautiously in clients with hepatic disease, as the agents are metabolized by the liver.
Oxazepam (Serax); Although less dramatic for control of withdrawal symptoms, this may be the drug of choice in a client with liver disease because of its shorter half-life.
Phenobarbital; Useful in suppressing withdrawal symptoms and is an effective anticonvulsant. Use must be monitored to prevent exacerbation of respiratory depression.
Magnesium sulfate; Reduces tremors and seizure activity by decreasing neuromuscular excitability.
Thiamine. Thiamine deficiency (common in alcohol abuse) may lead to neuritis, Wernicke’s syndrome, and/or Korsakoff’s psychosis.
Nursing Diagnosis Sensory/Perceptual alterations (specify)
May Be Related to: Chemical alteration: Exogenous (e.g., alcohol consumption/sudden cessation) and endogenous (e.g., electrolyte imbalance, elevated ammonia and BUN)
Sleep deprivation
Psychological stress (anxiety/fear)
Possibly Evidenced by: Disorientation in time, place, person, or situation
Changes in usual response to stimuli; exaggerated emotional responses, change in behavior
Bizarre thinking
Restlessness, irritability, apprehension
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria— Regain/maintain usual level of cognition.
Client Will: Report absence of auditory/visual hallucinations.
Identify external factors that affect sensory-perceptual abilities.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Assess level of consciousness, ability to speak, Speech may be garbled, confused, or slurred. response to stimuli/commands. Response to commands may reveal inability to concentrate, impaired judgment, or muscle coordination deficits.
Observe behavioral responses (e.g., hyperactivity, Hyperactivity related to CNS disturbances may disorientation, confusion, sleeplessness, irritability). escalate rapidly. Sleeplessness is common because of loss of sedative effect gained from alcohol usually consumed prior to bedtime. Sleep deprivation may aggravate disorientation/ confusion. Progression of symptoms may indicate impending hallucinations (Stage II) or DTs (Stage III).
Note onset of hallucinations. Document as Auditory hallucinations are reported to be more auditory, visual, and/or tactile. frightening/threatening to client. Visual hallucinations occur more at night and often include insects, animals, or faces of friends/enemies. Clients are frequently observed picking the air; yelling may occur if client is calling for help from perceived threat (usually seen in Stage III).
Provide quiet environment. Speak in calm, Reduces external stimuli during hyperactive stage. quiet voice. Regulate lighting as indicated. Client may become more delirious when Turn off radio/TV during sleep. surroundings cannot be seen, although some respond better to quiet, darkened room.
Provide care by same personnel whenever possible. Promotes recognition of caregivers and a sense of consistency that may reduce fear.
Reorient frequently to person, place, time, and May reduce confusion/misinterpretation of surrounding environment as indicated. external stimuli.
Avoid bedside discussion about client or topics Client may hear and misinterpret conversation, unrelated to the client that do not include the client. which can aggravate hallucinations.
Provide environment safety (e.g., place bed in low Client may have distorted sense of reality, be position, leave doors in full open or closed position, fearful, or be suicidal, requiring protection from observe frequently, place call light/bell within reach, self-harm.remove articles that can harm client).
Collaborative
Provide seclusion, restraints as necessary. Clients with excessive psychomotor activity, severe hallucinations, violent behavior, and/or suicidal gestures may respond better to seclusion. Restraints are usually ineffective and add to client’s agitation but occasionally may be required for short periods to prevent self-harm.
Monitor laboratory studies (e.g., electrolytes, Changes in organ function may precipitate or magnesium levels, liver function studies, ammonia, potentiate sensory-perceptual deficits. Electrolyte BUN, glucose, ABGs). imbalance is common. Liver function is often impaired in the chronic alcoholic, and ammonia intoxication can occur if the liver is unable to convert ammonia to urea. Ketoacidosis is sometimes present without glycosuria; however, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia may occur, suggesting pancreatitis or impaired gluconeogenesis in the liver. Hypoxemia and hypercarbia are common manifestations in chronic alcoholics who are also heavy smokers.
Administer medications as indicated, e.g.:
Antianxiety agents (Refer to ND: Anxiety [severe/ Reduces hyperactivity, promoting relaxation/panic]/Fear); sleep. Drugs that have little effect on dreaming may be desired to allow dream recovery (REM rebound) to occur, which has been suppressed by alcohol use.
Thiamine; vitamins C & B complex, multivitamins; Vitamins may be depleted because of insufficient Stresstabs. intake and malabsorption. Vitamin deficiency (especially thiamine) is associated with ataxia, loss of eye movement and pupillary response, palpitations, postural hypotension, and exertional dyspnea.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS NUTRITION: altered, less than body requirements
May Be Related to: Poor dietary intake (replaced by alcohol consumption)
Effects of alcohol on organs involved in digestion (e.g., stomach, pancreas, liver); interference with absorption and metabolism of nutrients and amino acids; and increased loss of vitamins in the urine
Possibly Evidenced by: Reports of inadequate food intake, altered taste sensation, lack of interest in food, abdominal pain
Body weight 20% or more under ideal
Pale conjunctiva and mucous membranes; sore, inflamed buccal cavity/cheilosis
Poor muscle tone, skin turgor
Hyperactive bowel sounds, diarrhea
Third spacing of circulating blood volume (e.g., edema of extremities, ascites)
Presence of neuropathies
Laboratory evidence of decreased red cell count (anemias), vitamin deficiencies, reduced serum albumin level, or electrolyte imbalance
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria— Verbalize understanding of effects of alcohol
Client Will: ingestion and reduced dietary intake on nutritional status and general well-being.
Demonstrate behaviors, lifestyle changes to regain/maintain appropriate weight.
Maintain stable weight or progressive weight gain toward goal with normalization of laboratory values and absence of signs of malnutrition.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Evaluate presence/quality of bowel sounds. Note Irritation of gastric mucosa is common and may abdominal distension, tenderness. result in epigastric pain, nausea, and hyperactive bowel sounds. More serious effects of GI system may occur secondary to cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Note presence of nausea/vomiting, diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting are often among the first signs of alcohol withdrawal and may interfere with achieving adequate nutritional intake.
Assess ability to feed self. Tremors, altered mentation, or hallucinations may interfere with ingestion of nutrients and indicate need for assistance.
Provide small, easily digested, frequent meals/ May limit gastric distress and enhance intake and snacks, and advance as tolerated. toleration of nutrients. As appetite and ability to tolerate food increase, diet should be adjusted to provide the necessary calories and nutrition for cellular repair and restoration of energy.
Collaborative
Review laboratory tests (e.g., AST, ALT, LDH, Assesses liver function, adequacy of nutritional serum albumin/prealbumin, transferrin). intake; influences choice of diet and need for/ effectiveness of supplemental therapy.
Refer to dietitian/nutritional support team. Useful in establishing and coordinating individual nutritional regimen.
Provide diet high in protein with at least half of Stabilizes blood sugar, thereby reducing risk of calories obtained from carbohydrates. hypoglycemia, while providing for energy needs and cellular regeneration.
Administer medications as indicated, e.g.:
Antacids, antiemetics, antidiarrheal; Reduces gastric irritation and limits effects of sympathetic stimulation.
Vitamins, Replace losses. Note: All clients should receive thiamine. thiamine and vitamins, because deficiencies (clinical or subclinical) exist in most, if not all, clients with chronic alcoholism.
Institute/maintain NPO status as indicated. Provides gastrointestinal rest to reduce harmful effects of gastric/pancreatic stimulation in presence of GI bleeding or excessive vomiting.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS ANXIETY [severe/panic]/FEAR
May Be Related to: Cessation of alcohol intake/physiological withdrawal
Situational crisis (hospitalization)
Threat to self-concept, perceived threat of death
Possibly Evidenced by: Feelings of inadequacy, shame, self-disgust, and remorse
Increased helplessness/hopelessness with loss of control of own life
Increased tension, apprehension
Fear of unspecified consequences; identifying object of fear
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria— Verbalize reduction of fear and anxiety to an
Client Will: acceptable and manageable level.
Express sense of regaining some control of situation/life.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills and use resources effectively.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
Independent
Identify cause of anxiety, involving client in the Clients in acute phase of withdrawal may be process. Explain that alcohol withdrawal increases unable to identify and/or accept what is anxiety and uneasiness. Reassess level of anxiety happening. Anxiety may be physiologically or on an ongoing basis. environmentally caused. Continued alcohol toxicity will be manifested by increased anxiety and agitation as effects of medications wear off.
Develop a trusting relationship through frequent Provides client with a sense of humanness, helping contact, being honest and nonjudgmental. Project to decrease paranoia and distrust. Client will be an accepting attitude about alcoholism. able to detect biased or condescending attitude of caregivers.
Inform client what you plan to do and why. Include Enhances sense of trust, and explanation may client in planning process and provide choices increase cooperation/reduce anxiety. Provides when possible. sense of control over self in circumstances where loss of control is a significant factor. Note: Feelings of self-worth are intensified when one is treated as a worthwhile person.
Reorient frequently. (Refer to ND: Sensory/ Client may experience periods of confusion, Perceptual alterations [specify].) resulting in increased anxiety.
Collaborative
Administer medications as indicated, e.g.:
Benzodiazepines: chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Antianxiety agents are given during acute diazepam (Valium); withdrawal to help client relax, be less hyperactive, and feel more in control.
Barbiturates: phenobarbital, or possibly These drugs suppress alcohol withdrawal but secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal). need to be used with caution as they are respiratory depressants and REM sleep cycle inhibitors.
Arrange Intervention (confrontation) in controlled The process of Intervention, wherein SOs/family group setting. members, supported by staff, provide information about how the client’s drinking and behavior have affected each one of them, helps the client to acknowledge that drinking is a problem and has resulted in current situational crisis.
Provide consultation for referral to recovery/ Client is more likely to contract for treatment rehabilitation program for ongoing treatment as while still hurting and experiencing fear and soon as medically stable (e.g., oriented to reality). anxiety from last drinking episode. Motivation decreases as well-being increases and person again feels able to control the problem. Direct contact with available treatment resources provides realistic picture of help. Decreases time for client to “think about it”/change mind or restructure and strengthen denial systems.