Daily, a primary care clinician will provide on average care to 4 patients with unhealthy alcohol and/or drug use. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs in 10-20% of patients presenting to primary care or hospital admissions. Liver failure, hypertension, death, trauma, cancer, memory loss and many other serious conditions are directly related to alcohol use. AUD has one of the most effective treatments available that could prevent its complications and yet it is greatly underutilized.
The aim of this lecture is to dive deeper into the pathophysiology of addiction (breaking the stigma), being able to recognize a problem drinking (DSM 5 Diagnosis) and become comfortable with the management options.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
Describe the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Model
Recall alcoholism history and facts
Describe the pathophysiology and diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Nino obtained her Physician Assistant Degree from the University of Toronto in 2018 and has been working in Addiction Medicine since then. While working on a research study “Challenges in diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence” Nino developed a passion and interest for the fertility medicine. In March 2021 she started working part time in Fertility Medicine. She currently works at Dr. Tanya Williams Fertility Centre where treatment is provided for all causes of female infertility.
Nino Parunashvili, BScPA, CCPA - AUD
Nino obtained her Physician Assistant Degree from the University of Toronto in 2018 and has been working in Halton and Mississauga Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic since then. Prior to her PA training, Nino graduated from medical school in Eastern Europe and has served in numerous areas of medicine in Canada. While working in pain management, she developed a special interest in Addiction Medicine. Nino additionally holds a part-time position in Fertility Medicine. She is actively involved in teaching and has a major interest in research and medical outreach programs for those in need.