Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: a Review.

Alcoholism is a common condition and frequently clinicians are forced to confront its complications in general hospital settings. There are an estimated 3 million alcohol-dependent people in Romania alone, from which a significant number suffers episodes of withdrawal severe enough to require pharmacologic treatment. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a clinical diagnosis, with symptoms that range from minor (anxiety/palpitations) to severe (delirium tremens/hallucinations). Benzodiazepines have the best evidence in treating this disease. A symptom-triggered therapy approach is favored using a validated tool, such as CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised), for shorter periods of hospitalization and for using lower doses of sedatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]