Clinical Pathways
Clinical Pathways
Symptoms controlled
Symptoms controlled

Symptoms controlled

View The Full Pathway

Decision

Any of the following:

  • History of complicated withdrawal?
  • Severe underlying psychiatric or medical comorbidities?
  • Clinical alcohol or drug intoxication?
  • Initial CIWA-Ar score >8 (or other comparable, validated tool)?

Yes

  • Admit the patient to a monitored unit or inpatient detoxification
  • Administer benzodiazepines (diazepam or lorazepam) if needed, based on CIWA-Ar score (or other validated tool) (Class I)

No

  • Discharge with 2-3 days of benzodiazepines, and referral to addiction or outpatient detoxification follow-up. (Class II)

Background

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References
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