Abstract | Alkoholna pića često čine sastavni dio suvremenog društva te su prisutna u društvenom okruženju brojnih populacija. S druge strane, ovakva prisutnost često zasjenjuje stvarne opasnosti koje proizlaze iz konzumacije alkohola. Alkoholizam, kronična bolest, široko je rasprostranjen diljem svijeta. U današnjem vremenu, primjećujemo rastući broj mladih osoba koje započinju s konzumacijom alkohola u ranim godinama života, a muškarci češće od žena obolijevaju od alkoholizma. Postavljanje dijagnoze ovisnosti o alkoholu temelji se na detaljnom anamnestičkom prikupljanju podataka, fizikalnom pregledu i laboratorijskim analizama. Također, koriste se i upitnici za procjenu prisutnosti alkoholne bolesti, od kojih su najpoznatiji CAGE i AUDIT upitnici. Ovisnost o alkoholu prolazi kroz tri međusobno povezane faze, kako je opisao Jellinek, s izraženim posljedicama po zdravlje. Alkoholna bolest jetre jedna je od najpoznatijih posljedica ovisnosti, a razvija se kroz tri stadija: masna jetra, alkoholni hepatitis i, na kraju, alkoholna ciroza. Liječenje se provodi farmakološkim pristupom s tri lijeka odobrena od strane Američke agencije za hranu i lijekove (FDA): naltrekson, disulfiram i akamprozat. Osim farmakoterapije, naglasak u tretmanu ovisnosti o alkoholu stavlja se na psihoterapijske metode. Cilj liječenja je postizanje smanjenja ili potpunog prekida konzumacije alkoholnih proizvoda, tj. postizanje apstinencije. Uloga medicinskih sestara i tehničara u kontekstu ovisnosti o alkoholu obuhvaća širok spektar aktivnosti, uključujući implementaciju preventivnih programa, edukaciju o pravilnoj prehrani, pružanje motivacije i podrške pacijentima te podizanje njihova samopouzdanja. Također, njihov doprinos značajan je za unaprjeđenje kvalitete života pacijenata. Učinkovitost tretmana dodatno se povećava kada i obitelj sudjeluje kao podrška i partner u procesu ozdravljenja. |
Abstract (english) | Alcoholic beverages are deeply integrated into modern society, forming an integral part of the social fabric for many populations. This prevalence can sometimes obscure the true extent of the harm caused by alcohol consumption. Alcoholism, a chronic disease, is pervasive worldwide. Today, an increasing number of young people initiate alcohol consumption at an early age, and men are more commonly affected by alcoholism than women. Diagnosing alcohol dependence relies on a comprehensive assessment that encompasses an individual's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. In the diagnostic process, commonly used tools include the CAGE questionnaire and the AUDIT questionnaire, which assist in evaluating the presence of alcohol-related issues. Alcohol addiction progresses through three interconnected stages, as elucidated by Jellinek. These stages have far-reaching consequences, with alcoholic liver disease being one of the most well-known outcomes. The disease unfolds in three stages: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and eventually, alcoholic cirrhosis may develop. Pharmacological treatment plays a crucial role, with three FDA-approved drugs – namely, naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate – employed to manage alcohol dependence. However, beyond pharmacological interventions, the treatment of alcohol dependence relies on psychotherapeutic approaches. The primary goal of this treatment is to achieve a reduction or complete cessation of alcohol consumption, leading to abstinence. Nursing professionals play a pivotal role in the comprehensive care of individuals with alcohol addiction. Their responsibilities encompass implementing preventive programs, educating patients on nutrition, providing treatment, offering motivation and support, and bolstering the patient's self-confidence. They also contribute significantly to improving the patient's overall quality of life. Importantly, the involvement of the patient's family as a support system is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment process. |