Detox Substance Withdrawal Management 2

Question 1

Which medication is used to reduce alcohol craving and maintain abstinence after medical detox is complete?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Answer

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol reward, reducing craving and relapse rates in post-detox abstinence maintenance.

Question 2

What characterizes nicotine withdrawal according to US clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and strong cravings within 24 hours of cessation

Answer

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological and cognitive, appearing within hours and peaking in the first 3 days.

Question 3

What is the purpose of 'comfort medications' (e.g., anti-nausea agents) in opioid withdrawal management?

Accepted Answer

To relieve distressing but non-life-threatening symptoms, improving patient comfort and treatment retention

Answer

Adjunct comfort medications address nausea, diarrhea, and muscle cramps in opioid withdrawal, reducing suffering and improving program completion rates.

Question 4

Which phenomenon causes a person tolerant to one CNS depressant to also be tolerant to others?

Accepted Answer

Cross-tolerance

Answer

Cross-tolerance occurs when tolerance to one CNS depressant (e.g., alcohol) confers tolerance to pharmacologically similar drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines) through shared receptor mechanisms.

Question 5

What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for nicotine dependence recommended in US clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or varenicline

Answer

NRT (patch, gum, lozenge) and varenicline (Chantix) are first-line evidence-based treatments for nicotine cessation per USPHS guidelines.

Detox Practice Test

Detox Practice Test

Detox Substance Withdrawal Management 2