Other Drugs of Abuse

Effects of Other Drugs of Abuse


Opioid-addicted patients may also abuse other other drugs, so could be at risk of withdrawal from these drugs whilst in hospital. These may include:

Alcohol

Use the CIWA-Ar assessment for Managing Alcohol Withdrawal

https://www.mdcalc.com/ciwa-ar-alcohol-withdrawal 

Benzodiazepines:

Cocaine

    • Intoxication:

Tachycardia, hypertension, excitement, delirium, hallucinations, hyperreflexia, tremors, convulsions, sweating, hyperpyrexia, occasionally acute chest pain 

    • Withdrawal:

Sleep, hunger, depression, delirium, delusions, hallucinations 

Cannabis

    • Intoxication:

Tachycardia, postural hypotension, euphoria, relaxation, occasionally anxiety and panic reactions, can exacerbate schizophrenia. Poor memory and decreased motivation in prolonged use 

    • Withdrawal (rare):

Restlessness, anxiety, tremor, nausea and diarrhoea. Usually short-lived and doesn’t need treatment