Comparing general practitioners and specialist alcohol services in the management of alcohol withdrawal

Abstract

Aims and method: A postal questionnaire was used to compare the pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal as carried out by a group of general practitioners and specialist alcohol services. Results: General practitioners were significantly more likely to prescribe chlormethiazole, less likely to use B vitamins and less likely to admit patients with a history of withdrawal complications. Clinical implications: General practitioners need training in order to improve their management of alcohol withdrawal.