10 Substance Use and Addictive Disorders Free Online FlashCards

What defines a substance use disorder (SUD)?

A pattern of substance use that causes clinically significant distress or impairment. It is a health condition, not a moral failing.

How is SUD severity classified?

Severity is mild with 2–3 criteria, moderate with 4–5, and severe with 6 or more, assessed within a 12-month period.

Can a screening score alone diagnose SUD?

Diagnosis requires clinical assessment; a screening score or toxicology test alone does not establish an SUD diagnosis.

What does a positive substance-use screen mean?

It indicates a need for further assessment, not an established diagnosis.

What should a focused substance-use assessment cover?

Ask about substances, amount, frequency, route, last use, prescribed medications, prior withdrawal or overdose, and effects on health and daily life.

What does SBIRT add after screening?

SBIRT connects screening to a brief, motivational conversation and referral when more specialized care is indicated.

What are key withdrawal assessment priorities?

Assess timing of last use, vital signs, hydration, sleep, mental status, pain, and risk of seizures or self-harm.

Which alcohol-withdrawal signs require emergency care?

Alcohol withdrawal can progress from symptoms such as tremor and sweating to seizures or delirium tremens. Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, or an irregular heartbeat require emergency care.

Why should sustained sedative use not be stopped abruptly without guidance?

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines and other sedative-hypnotics can be medically dangerous; abrupt cessation after sustained use should not be advised without clinical guidance.

Why can opioid overdose risk rise after a period without use?

Tolerance may fall after reduced or no use, increasing overdose risk if opioid use resumes.

What should you do for a suspected opioid overdose?

Activate emergency response, give naloxone if available, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Continue emergency care because naloxone does not replace medical evaluation.

When is naloxone appropriate if the overdose cause is uncertain?

Naloxone can reverse opioid overdose, including overdose involving fentanyl, and is safe to use when opioid overdose is suspected even if the cause is uncertain.