Ep 37: Five Things About Drug and Alcohol Addiction With Alison Backler

Liz and Jesse are joined by Alison Backler, Clinical Nurse Consultant Alcohol and Drug Service RBWH. In this episode we look at drug and alcohol addiction and considerations for the acute hospital environment.

Alison’s Five Things

1. Addiction doesn’t discriminate.
2. The role of thiamine.
3. Why withdrawal (particularly alcohol and benzodiazepines) is so serious.
4. Be wary of bias. Patient’s with addictions, still have a need for, and right to, adequate pain relief.
5. There is a difference between recreational substance use and addiction/dependence.