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Clinical Management of Alcohol Withdrawal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Hugh Myrick  and
Raymond F. Anton
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Abstract

It has been well known for a number of years that abrupt withdrawal from alcohol following chronic use is associated with adverse consequences, ranging from mild tremors to withdrawal seizures. The overall purposes of treating alcohol withdrawal (AW) are to relieve patient discomfort, to prevent the development of more serious withdrawal symptoms, and to initiate long-term alcohol rehabilitation. Several areas of controversy exist in the clinical management of AW, including the optimal treatment setting, the need for pharmacologic management, and the most appropriate agent to prescribe when medication is deemed necessary. This article reviews the clinical features, general management, and treatment of AW.

Type
Feature Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 5 , Issue 2: Novel Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism , February 2000 , pp. 22 - 32
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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