Alcohol and other drug withdrawal: practice guidelines.

Abstract

Clinical guidelines seek to direct clinical practice by outlining recognised, evidence-based treatment interventions. They draw on current literature and clinical practice expertise. These Guidelines provide guidance for clinical decision-making in the context of individual client requirements, withdrawal setting, treatment availability and individual service protocols. These Guidelines are consistent with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) United Nations Principles of Drug Dependence Treatment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and World Health Organization, 2008). They outline current best practice for the management of AOD-dependent clients accessing withdrawal care. 1 Introduction - page 1 2 Definitions of dependence and withdrawal - page 5 3 Principles of AOD withdrawal care - page 9 4 Continuity of Care - page 11 5 Features of AOD withdrawal - page 13 6 Special needs groups - page 19 7 Presentation to AOD withdrawal - page 29 8 AOD withdrawal settings - page 31 9 Assessment - page 37 10 Alcohol withdrawal - page 45 11 Opioid withdrawal - page 65 12 Benzodiazepines - page 87 13 Amphetamine-type substances (ATS) - page 99 14 Cannabis - page 111 15 Nicotine - page 121 16 AOD withdrawal for clients with a dual diagnosis - page 133 17 References - page 161