Alcohol widrawal is believed to be related to the depressant effect of alcohol. After using EtOH for a long time and then not taking it suddenly, may result in CNS excitation.
-Symptoms: start within 6-24 hours of not drinking.
mild: irritable, complain of insomonia
severe: fever, disorientation, seizures, hallucinations
most serious: Delirium Tremens (DTs). Begins within 72 hours of last drink. 15%-20% mortality rate. patient may have visual or tactile hallucinations, gross tremor, autonomic instability (so have to measure vital signs frequently)
Treatment:
-give tapering doses of benzodiazepines (Librium or Chlordiazepoxide, Diazepam or Lorazepam)
-give 100 mg Thiamine, 1 mg folic acid, and a multivitamin.
-give magnesium sulfate (for postwithdrawal seizures)