PCSS-MAUD Webinar: Post-Acute Alcohol Withdrawal-Slide Materials

Slide Materials

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The webinar by Vanessa Loukas, hosted by the Providers Clinical Support System – Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD), focuses on post-acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS involves symptoms arising after the acute withdrawal phase in individuals previously dependent on alcohol. These symptoms can last for extended periods, increasing the risk of alcohol use recurrence if unmanaged. The recognition and treatment of PAWS are vital for improving patient outcomes.<br /><br />PAWS is not formally recognized in the DSM-5, and prevalence varies. Key symptoms affecting mood, cognition, cravings, and sleep are documented. These impairments stem from alcohol's long-term impact on the brain, influencing neurotransmitter systems and the stress response, potentially leading to mood disorders and cognitive deficits.<br /><br />The webinar highlights several therapeutic approaches for PAWS. Pharmacological treatments for managing symptoms include SSRIs for depression/anxiety and other medications like naltrexone for cravings. Additionally, non-medical interventions, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and support groups, are recommended.<br /><br />Sleep disturbances, a common issue in PAWS, require attention to sleep hygiene and may involve interventions like prazosin for associated PTSD or antidepressants. Vitamin supplementation, notably thiamine, is advised to mitigate deficiencies caused by prolonged alcohol use.<br /><br />Alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage therapy are mentioned, although evidence for their efficacy is less robust compared to established medical treatments. Ultimately, a combination of pharmacological and behavioral interventions tailored to individual needs can facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of alcohol use recurrence. The initiative emphasizes the importance of early symptom identification and integrated treatment to support long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Keywords

PAWS

alcohol withdrawal

Vanessa Loukas

PCSS-MAUD

mood disorders

cognitive deficits

pharmacological treatments

cognitive behavioral therapy

sleep disturbances

recovery