Overview of Alcohol Withdrawal

Presented by Amy Gallaher Miles, DO, IBCLC

Alcohol has a known withdrawal syndrome that is very clinically variable, as symptoms and findings that may occur after a client has become abstinent from alcohol vary from little to no symptoms to ICU stays and even death. There are a few factors that can help professionals predict which clients might experience a complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A knowledge base of the timeline of expected symptoms in alcohol withdrawal is clinically advantageous. Additionally, generating an awareness of resources for which to connect the client will benefit the professional or team. Lastly, a review of the causes of alcohol withdrawal will expand the interested professional’s expertise.

Learning Objectives – Following this training participants will be able to:

1. Describe different formulations of alcohol.

1. Define withdrawal.

1. Describe alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the first 6-24 hours after last alcoholic drink.

1. Develop an awareness of alcohol withdrawal delirium and its severe, associated dangers.

1. Explain two possible mechanisms of how alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs.

1. Outline the available resources to which to direct a client who is at risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

1. Develop and maintain the awareness that untreated alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be fatal. and work to prevent this unimaginable outcome in our client population.