The goals of treatment are to treat the immediate withdrawal symptoms, to prevent complications, and to begin long-term preventive treatment.
Immediate treatment involves symptom relief, constant observation, and frequent monitoring of physical functions and condition. Hospitalization is often required. Heart function, respiratory function, and general physical condition are monitored by frequent measurements of vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) and fluids and electrolytes (chemicals in the body such as sodium and potassium).
Symptoms may progress rapidly and become an emergency condition. Drugs that depress the central nervous system such as sedatives may be required, often in moderately large doses, to reduce symptoms.
Treatment may require maintenance of a moderately sedated state for a week or more until withdrawal is complete. A class of medications known as Benzodiazepine are often useful to reduce physiological symptoms (e.g., blood pressure), as well as psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety).
A "drying out" period may be appropriate. No alcohol is allowed during this time.
Monitoring for signs of complicated alcohol abstinence is ongoing, and signs are treated as appropriate.
Hallucinations that occur without other symptoms of complications are uncommon. They are treated similarly to any acutepsychotic episode, with hospitalization and antipsychotic medications as needed.
Testing and treatment for other medical problems associated with use of alcohol is necessary. This may include disorders such as alcoholic liver disease, blood clotting disorders, alcoholic neuropathy, heart disorders (such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy), chronic brain syndromes (such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), and malnutrition.
Rehabilitation for alcohol use or alcoholism is often recommended. This may include psychiatric interventions, social support such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), medications, and behavior modification.
|