TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL-WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME

Treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome is the first step towards the rehabilitation of alcohol-dependent patients. The objectives of t reatment are relief of symptoms, prevention of complications and a smo oth transition into a long-term rehabilitation programme. Recently, pr ogress has been made in the clinical management of the alcohol withdra wal syndrome through standardization of the assessment using the CIWA- A scale and frequent monitoring of clinical findings, recognition of t he efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions (i.e. standardized su pportive care) and simplification of pharmacotherapy by optimizing the use of long-acting benzodiadepines via a loading dose technique. Benz odiazepines, because of their cross-tolerance with ethanol, wide margi n of safety and low potential for physical dependence and tolerance, a re very effective and are the drugs of choice for the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.