Alcohol-induced Mental Disorders and Their Treatments

Alcohol can lead to mental disorders, either resulting from prolonged alcohol consumption or triggered by alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These disorders manifest in diverse hallucinations, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Patients may visualize insects swarming or cars approaching, while auditory hallucinations such as buzzing bees, ringing, knocking, conversations, and musical sounds may also occur. Notably, malicious or threatening voices may emerge, potentially leading patients to harm others or attempt suicide.

What to Do About Alcohol-induced Mental Disorders?

1. Abstinence from Alcohol: A pivotal step in effective treatment. Hospitalization is often necessary to eliminate alcohol access. The pace of abstinence should be tailored to the severity of alcohol dependence and intoxication. Mild cases may attempt sudden abstinence, whereas severe cases should gradually taper off to prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Close observation and monitoring are essential, regardless of whether abstinence is achieved in one or multiple stages. Specifically, during the first week of abstinence, patients' vital signs, consciousness, and orientation should be closely monitored to promptly address potential withdrawal reactions.

Currently, there are no established medications specifically for alcohol abstinence. Naloxone and naltrexone are undergoing clinical trials, but further data is needed for routine use.

2. Symptomatic Treatment: For symptoms of anxiety, tension, and insomnia, antipsychotic drugs like diazepam, methyltriazolam, and amitriptyline can provide symptomatic relief. The lowest effective dose that controls withdrawal symptoms should be administered. In cases of seizures, diazepam can be administered intramuscularly, with repeated doses every 4 hours if necessary, or orally. However, these medications can be habit-forming and should be used short-term. For patients with significant excitement and agitation, low doses of chlorpromazine or haloperidol can be administered intramuscularly or orally. Additionally, brain nutrition and metabolism therapies can aid in mitigating withdrawal symptoms.