Alcohol withdrawal

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The goals of treatment are to reduce the immediate withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and begin long-term therapy to promote abstinence (no drinking at all).

INPATIENT DETOXIFICATION

People with moderate-to-severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may need inpatient treatment at a hospital or other facility that treats alcohol withdrawal. Others who may need inpatient treatment include those who:

• Have a mental health disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Have failed outpatient treatment for alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal
• Have serious medical problems
• May be harmful to themselves or others

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Treatment at an inpatient center will include medical monitoring and treatment of alcohol symptoms.

• Monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and blood levels of different chemicals in the body will take place. The person will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.
• Many patients are given fluids or medications through a vein (IV).
• Treatment may involve sedating the person until withdrawal is complete. A class of medications known as benzodiazepines is often used for this purpose.

OUTPATIENT DETOXIFICATION

People with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms can often be treated in an outpatient setting. They should have a person who commits to staying with them throughout the process and is able to monitor them closely. Daily visits to a health care provider are needed until the patient is stable.

Blood tests are drawn periodically. Patients are given sedative drugs to help them with withdrawal symptoms.

As withdrawal symptoms become manageable:

• Patient and family counseling is begun to address the long-term issue of the patient's alcoholism. See: Alcoholism
• Testing and treatment for other medical problems associated with the use of alcohol are performed.
• Mental health disorders that are present should be treated.

It is important that the patient goes to a living situation that helps support them in staying sober. Some areas have housing that provide a supportive environment for those trying to stay sober.