Citation

Casas M, Guardia J. Adicciones 2002; 14(Suppl 1): 195-219.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Socidrogalcohol)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Alcoholic patients have psychiatric syndromes associated, mostly anxiety and depression. Psychiatric syndromes are usually induced by heavy drinking, and tend to improve in a few weeks, when the patient has been detoxified, and a stable remission of alcoholism has been achieved. However, sometimes alcoholic patients suffer independent psychiatric disorders, that warrant an specific treatment, in addition to the treatment of alcoholism. They are considered dual disorders, with one or more psychiatric disorders, associated to addictive pathology, including abuse or dependency of some other substances (cocaine, opiates, benzodiazepines), in addition to alcohol. Alcoholic patients with other severe psychiatric disorders may be at greater risk of psychosocial problems, relapse, and suicide. Their treatment can be important in order to stop progressive worsening, associated morbidity and increased mortality risks. These patients need an integrated treatment of their dual disorder, in specialized units, with intensive follow-up, and for longer periods of time than usual. Treatment programs should deal with patient's motivation, in order to enhance their decision to leave substance use, to stabilize their psychiatric disorder (with pharmacotherapy) and to train in relapse prevention coping skills.

Language: es

Keywords

addiction; alcohol; alcoholism; Alcoholism; anxiety neurosis; benzodiazepine derivative; cocaine; depression; disease association; drinking behavior; Dual disorders; human; Integrated treatment; mental disease; motivation; opiate; psychosocial disorder; Relapse; review; substance abuse; Suicide