Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) Guideline

Goals

1. To provide early recognition of the alcohol withdrawal process, and prevent symptom progression.
2. To minimize medical and psychological complications.
3. To provide a standardized way of monitoring and guiding treatment to safely decrease the length of stay.

Target Population

All chemically dependent patients who are treated for alcohol withdrawal detoxification.

Reason Identified

Review of alcohol withdrawal syndrome indicated the high risk that it presents to our patients.

Primary Elements

1. Alcohol Withdrawal Assessment worksheet, derived from the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA)
2. Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol

AWS Parameters

Clinical exceptions to the AWS guideline will be reviewed by a BHM Medical Director or designee.