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Alcohol Withdrawal

Ulunma Natalie Umesi, MBA, MD and Ambreka Benons, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a spectrum of symptoms resulting from abrupt cessation or reduction in alcohol intake, after a period of prolonged use. It ranges from minor sy...

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V diagnostic criteria for AWS: 
  • Two (or more) of the following present within a few hours after the cessation or reduction of heavy and p...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Goals of therapy:

    • Provide a safe humane withdrawal from the drug(s) of dependence, while protecting the individual's dignity.

    • Prepare for ongoing treatment of  de...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Managing alcohol withdrawal is only first step toward treating patient’s underlying AUD, discharge arrangements should include outpatient substance use counseling...

REFERENCES

1
Rastegar DA, Fingerhood MI. The American Society of Addiction Medicine Handbook of Addiction Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2020.
2
Tiglao SM, Meisenheimer ES, Oh R...

SEE ALSO

Substance Use Disorders 

CODES

ICD10

  • F10.239 Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, unspecified

  • F10.230 Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, uncomplicated

  • F10.231 Alcohol dependence with withdrawal delirium

  • F10.232 Alcohol dependence...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Any BZD dose should be patient specific, sufficient to achieve and maintain a “light somnolence” (e.g., sleeping but easily arousable), and should be tapered off carefully to prevent B...

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