Hospital management

Abstract

Unhealthy alcohol use is common among hospitalized patients, and those with dependence need to be assessed for withdrawal risk. Thiamine should always be given to these patients; they should be monitored with a structured withdrawal rating scale (e.g., CIWA) and treated with benzodiazepines as the drug-of-choice for monotherapy of alcohol withdrawal. Referral to alcohol counseling rehabilitation services should be part of discharge planning when appropriate.