• Estimated 10-18 million Alcoholics in the U.S. in 1990.
• 15-20% of hospitalized and primary care patients.
• Studies show that b/w 13 and 71 percent of patients develop symptoms of ETOH withdrawal
*other signs may or may not be present * time course is different * not usually associated with clouding of the sensorium
Various Presentation of Acute ETOH Withdrawal
Epilepticus
Various Presentations of Acute ETOH Withdrawal
Alcoholic Hallucinosis: - 12- 24 hr. onset after last drink - usually visual - Resolve w/i 24-48 hr. - NOT synonymous with tions of Acute ETOH Withdrawal
Minor Withdrawal Symptoms: -occur w/i 6 hours of cessation -insomnia, tremulousness, mild anxiety, GI
upset, diaphoresis, HA, palpitations, and anorexia. -usually resolve w/i 24-48 hrs. -vary from episode to episode