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Substance Use Disorders and Neurologic Illness.
Robert D. Davies1, Christian Thurstone, Kelly Woyewodzic
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Campus Box C261-72, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, CO 90262, USA. Robert.Davies@uchsc.edu
Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|July 29, 2004
Summary
Neurologists must screen for substance use disorders and integrate their management into patient care. Recognizing neurologic effects of drug abuse is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- High prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) in general and clinical populations.
- Abuse potential of medications used in neurologic illness treatment necessitates careful management.
- Neurologists frequently encounter patients with or at risk for SUDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of neurologists in managing substance use disorders.
- To emphasize the importance of assessing and recognizing SUDs in neurologic patients.
- To guide neurologists in integrating SUD management into neurologic care.
Main Methods:
- Review of the literature on substance use disorders and neurologic illnesses.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies for SUDs in neurologic practice.
- Emphasis on collaborative care with addiction specialists and support groups.
Main Results:
- Neurologists must possess skills to assess and recognize SUDs.
- Treatment plans must incorporate ongoing SUD management.
- Awareness of neurologic sequelae of drug use is essential for differential diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Substance use disorder assessment and management are integral to neurologic practice.
- Collaboration with addiction services improves patient outcomes.
- Minimizing addiction risk is paramount when prescribing potentially addictive medications.