Treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can occur when an individual stops or even significantly reduces alcoholic consumption after a prolonged period of use. Mild symptoms can occur within hours after the last drink and, if left untreated, may progress to more severe, life-threatening symptoms. Depending upon the severity of withdrawal symptoms, patients may be treated in the inpatient or outpatient setting. Pharmacotherapy is often necessary for treating patients with AWS to manage the symptoms of withdrawal, prevent the progression to serious complications, and bridge these patients to treatment for maintaining long-term recovery. Although a variety of drugs have some utility in treating this disorder, the benzodiazepines remain the agents of choice.