Evidence matters

Managing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal: The evidence on benzodiazepine alternatives

By Barbara Greenwood Dufour

It’s well known that longterm, excessive alcohol use is dangerous. But quitting drinking can be dangerous too. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can occur when a person with an alcohol dependence disorder suddenly stops drinking, can be an emergency situation.

In the first hours after the last drink, symptoms may be unpleasant but manageable (e.g., nausea, agitation, trouble sleeping) but, after three or four days, symptoms can become much more severe and may include seizures and delirium tremens – severe confusion, fever, drenching sweats, hallucinations, marked tremulousness (the “shakes”), severe hypertension (elevated blood pressure), and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These symptoms require medical treatment, as they are potentially fatal. Continued on page 38

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