Hospital | |
Alcohol Withdrawal
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionAlcohol withdrawal is a reaction that happens after alcohol is stopped. It can be deadly. CausesAlcohol misuse changes how the body works. The body needs a chance to get back to normal when alcohol is stopped. The body cannot work as well during this time. This leads to withdrawal. Risk FactorsSudden stopping of alcohol raises the risk of this problem. This risk is increased in older adults. SymptomsWithdrawal will start after use is stopped. This can be in a few hours to a few days. The types of problems a person has depends on the length of misuse. Common problems are:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your alcohol use. A physical exam may be done. Blood and urine tests will be done. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. The treatment used will depend on a person's symptoms. This can be done with:
PreventionThere are no known guidelines to prevent withdrawal when alcohol misuse has started. RESOURCES:Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.aa.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction http://www.ccsa.ca Health Canada http://www.canada.ca References:
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome. Accessed March 25, 2021.
Gortney JS, Raub JN, et al. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome in medical patients. Cleve Clin J Med. 2016 Jan;83(1):67-79. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 3/26/2021 | |