Substance Abuse and Withdrawal in the Intensive Care Unit

Gamma-hydroxy butyric acid: Neurotransmitter, sedative and party drug

“…Wegen seiner guten Wasserlös-lichkeit kann es problemlos Getränken beigemischt werden, und da es farb-und geruchlos ist und nur leicht salzig schmeckt, wird der Konsum eines GHB-haltigen Getränks vom Opfer kaum bemerkt. Neben der zunehmenden Fälle akuter Intoxikationen liegen zahlreiche Untersuchungen über den chronischen Missbrauch von GHB vor [17,[54][55][56]. Bei chronischer Einnahme führt GHB zur physischer und psychischer Abhängigkeit [18,54].…”

Acute Drug Overdose: Clinical Profile, Etiologic Spectrum and Determinants of Duration of Intensive Medical Treatment

“…4,8,9 From a therapeutic perspective, the identification of a drugrelated illness is important not only to improve the provision of appropriate acute medical care but also to allow early and prompt psychiatric referral to prevent recurrence. 10 The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological features, the course, complications and the care received in the ICU for adult patients with severe acute poisoning and illicit drug use in a tertiary care hospital in Oman.…”

Non-gynecologic causes of unexplained lower abdominal pain in adolescent girls: two clinical cases and review of the literature

“…For example, use of alcohol and inhalants as well as withdrawal of opioids and central nervous system depressants may cause abdominal pain. [51][52][53] Any significant behavioral changes should also suggest the possibility of substance abuse. 54 This subject should be discussed privately with the adolescent in an effort gain a sense of trust and establish rapport.…”