• To increase your knowledge of the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence and withdrawal
• To familiarise yourself with the screening and assessment tools used to identify alcohol withdrawal
• To understand what is involved in the management of alcohol withdrawal and its associated complications
Alcohol withdrawal can occur following the abrupt cessation or marked reduction of alcohol use in a person with alcohol dependence. This article provides an overview of the assessment and management of acute unplanned alcohol withdrawal, and discusses the crucial role of nurses in addressing this complex condition. It outlines the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and explains the need for a multifaceted approach to its management, often involving a combination of pharmacological treatment and supportive care. The article aims to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve outcomes for people experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12372
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Peel M (2024) Assessment and management of acute unplanned alcohol withdrawal. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12372
Published online: 04 November 2024
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