Alcohol-Withdrawal-Syndrome

When a person with a history of chronic alcohol use stops drinking alcohol, there is the risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Health care professionals need to understand and anticipate the underlying physical responses to chronic alcohol use and withdrawal, as well as the recommended methods to evaluate the severity of the patient’s level of withdrawal to initiate proper treatment. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can cause life-threatening health complications and death. The physical signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and the role of the caregiver (including the health care professional’s role supporting the affected patient through recovery) are discussed.