Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include nervousness, anxiety, irritability, depression, emotional instability, headache, nausea, insomnia, sweating and shaking. Serious withdrawal symptoms include delirium tremens, a state of confusion and hallucinations, and convulsions, severe agitation, fever, and heart irregularities. For milder withdrawal symptoms, rest, liquids, nutrition and over-the-counter pain relievers may suffice. Patients with more severe symptoms should seek medical treatment.
Outpatient Treatment
Most people requiring treatment for alcohol withdrawal receive outpatient treatment. According to a study cited in "Alcohol Health and Research World," about 70% of patients in outpatient programs complete their treatment. Patients in outpatient treatment attend daily treatment sessions for up to 14 days. According to Motoi Hayashida of the University of Pennsylvania, people in outpatient treatment usually have greater social supports and can continue working and participating in family and other relationships. Treatment costs are lower with outpatient treatment as well.
Inpatient Treatment
Severely medically compromised patients may require inpatient treatment. This type of treatment involves constant medical supervision during detoxification and is therefore the safest setting for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Patients experience the added benefit of being separated from triggers for relapse during inpatient treatment and can receive care for rare, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms quickly in this setting as well.
Pharmalogic Treatment
Certain sedating drugs may augment the detoxification process in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. These drugs may be addictive and pose serious risks if combined with alcohol, so clinicians exercise care when prescribing them. Benzodiazepines are considered the best medications to treat alcohol withdrawal, according to Hugh Myrick and Raymond Anton of the Medical University of South Carolina. Other medications for alcohol withdrawal symptoms include adrenergic medications and antiseizure medications. Adrenergic drugs are generally given as an adjunct to benzodiazepines. Because they pose no risk of dependence, they may also be given to patients in outpatient treatment. Antiseizure medications offer many benefits, including reducing the risk of seizures, potentially treating attendant mood disorders and posing little to no risk of abuse.
References
- "Uppers, Downers, All-Arounders"; Darryl Inaba and William Cohen; 2000
- "Alcohol Health and Research World"; Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal; Hugh Myrick, M.D. and Raymond Anton, M.D.; 1998
- "The New York Times": Alcohol Withdrawal; Martin Downs; 2009
- "Alcohol Health and Research World"; An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification; Motoi Hayashida, M.D., Sc.D.; 1998
