PCSS-MAUD Webinar: AUD and Co-occurring Conditions-Slides

Slides
Pdf Summary
The webinar "AUD & Co-occurring Conditions," presented by Vanessa Loukas, MSN, FNP-C, CARN-AP, addresses the complex relationship between Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Funded by SAMHSA and provided by PCSS-MAUD, the session aims to enhance healthcare providers' ability to identify and treat AUD alongside mental health disorders.<br /><br />Key points include the high prevalence of AUD in the U.S., with nearly 28 million diagnosed annually, and the significant overlap with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, psychosis, and sleep disturbances. The bidirectional relationship means psychiatric conditions can increase AUD risk, while chronic alcohol use adversely affects brain development and neurobiology, altering emotional regulation and increasing negative emotional states.<br /><br />Mood and anxiety disorders are strongly linked with AUD, with elevated suicide risk noted. Depression and anxiety symptoms often improve with reduced alcohol use, and treatment includes both pharmacologic (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and other medications) and behavioral interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.<br /><br />Trauma and stress-related disorders, notably PTSD, frequently co-occur with AUD. AUD is common in veterans, with alcohol sometimes used to numb trauma symptoms, further exacerbating psychiatric distress. Trauma-informed care and integrated treatments like the Seeking Safety model are recommended, though pharmacologic options show limited success.<br /><br />Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, present an increased AUD risk. Alcohol-induced psychosis and syndromes such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome from chronic use require both acute and long-term integrated management involving psychosocial and pharmacologic strategies.<br /><br />Sleep disorders related to AUD, especially insomnia post-alcohol cessation, disrupt normal sleep architecture. Behavioral interventions (sleep hygiene, CBT) alongside cautious use of medications like prazosin and quetiapine are advised due to risks associated with sedative-hypnotics in this population.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar emphasizes comprehensive assessment, integrated treatment planning, and tailored interventions to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing both AUD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Keywords
Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD
Co-occurring Conditions
Psychiatric Disorders
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Psychotic Disorders
Sleep Disorders
Integrated Treatment