Purchase Solution

Sedative-Hypnotics and Alcohol

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Please help provide an analysis of tolerance and withdrawal of sedative hypnotics and alcohol. In the analysis, differentiate between appropriate use and misuse of sedative hypnotics and alcohol. Also, explain the impact of sedative hypnotics and alcohol on brain systems, neurotransmitters, and behavior. Finally, propose at least two ways to mitigate the abuse potential. Please reference scholarly sources.

Attachments
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses sedative and alcohol withdrawal, and ways to address the disorer.

Solution Preview

A sedative (also referred to as a tranquilizer) reduces irritability, anxiety or agitation, and in turn induces relaxation and sedation. Conversely, hypnotics function to induce sleep, and treat insomnia. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR [APA], 2000) the symptoms of sedative hypnotic, or Anxiolytic withdrawal is the presence of a "characteristics syndrome that develops after a decrease or stoppage of intake of sedatives... after several weeks or more of regular use" (Criterion and B. (p. 287).

The withdrawal symptoms are similar to that of Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms. The essential feature of alcohol withdrawal is characterized by physiological symptoms related to the cessation of alcohol use that include two or more of the follow symptoms: (a) autonomic hyperactivity (b) rapid pulse, (c) increased hand tremors (d) insomnia, (e) agitation, (f) anxiety , (g) nausea, (h) hallucinations; a(i) illusions. (DSM-IV-TR, p. 215). Symptoms can be relieved by ingesting more alcohol or using some other brain depressant. ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Abnormal Psychology

This quiz will explore the faucets of abnormal psychology, from the question of what is abnormal, to the intricacies of DSM diagnosable disorders.

Sigmund Freud

How much do you know about Sigmund Freud's theories? Find out with this quiz!

How can you tell if your loved one is suicidal?

This is a small quiz to help determine if a loved one is suicidal and what steps should be taken to help stop suicide.

Theories of Work Motivation

This quiz tests the student's understanding of the major theories of work motivation from an organizational behavior perspective.

Emotional Intelligence: A Beginning

An introduction to an emerging branch of Psychology-Emotional Intelligence.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Anxiolytics and Sedative Hypnotics

    46902 Anxiolytics and Sedative Hypnotics List the anxiolytics and sedative hypnotics by class. What are the primary side effects and contraindications of these medications? 1. List the anxiolytics and sedative hypnotics by class.

  • Discrete random variables

    212334 Discrete random variables and their probability distributions Thirty per cent of patients undergoing particular diagnostic procedure require a sedative.

  • Statistics - Discrete Random Variables- probablility

    213912 Discrete random variables and their probablility distributions 1.Thirty per cent of all patients undergoing a particular diagnostic procedure require a sedative.

  • Sleep Disorders

    There are also drugs categorized as Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs which are more modern and work on the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors, and interestingly enough helps the patient get better sleep because they work on the architecture

  • Drug Profile Chart

    Methadone must be used carefully when combined with central nervous system depressants (such as general anesthetics), other narcotic analgesics, tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. (21) Methadone is primarily used to keep

  • About Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and Sleepwalking

    For example, life stressors and poor sleep hygiene can be treated with behavior/lifestyle modification (i.e. not going to bed hungry), and medical and psychiatric conditions can be treated with medications (sedatives and hypnotics).

  • Physical" Treatment (drugs) for a "Mental" Illness

    It may help you fall asleep faster and decrease the number of times you awaken during the night. It may also help you sleep for a longer period of time. Flurazepam belongs to a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics.

  • Managerial Economics: Six Steps to Decision Making

    The FDA explored the alternatives - leave the drug on the market and risk additional birth defects and possible fatalities even though the drug had a purpose as a sedative, or take the drug off the market, eliminate the potential for additional birth

  • Violence against Women

    Some experts consider alcohol and drug abuse to act as a sedative for the emotional distress most batterers bear in response to their abusive childhood, sense of inadequacy, and poor communication skills. 7.

View More Related Solutions