Alcohol Withdrawal

Reviewed 06/2020

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a spectrum of symptoms that results from abrupt cessation or reduction in alcohol intake, which has previously been heavy or prolonged. It ranges...

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV diagnostic criteria for AWS:
- Two or more of the following present within a few hours to several days after the cessation or reduction ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Per America Society of Addiction Medication, goals of therapy:
- “to provide a safe withdrawal from the drug(s) of dependence and enable the patient to become drug-free”
- “to prov...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Managing alcohol withdrawal is only first step toward treating patient’s underlying AUD.
Discharge arrangements should include:
- Development of plan to engage patien...

REFERENCES

Moyer VA; for Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation...

ADDITIONAL READING

Muncie HLJr, Yasinian Y, Oge’ L. Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2013;88(9):589–595.

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 even after A...

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