Current Approaches to the Recognition and Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal and Delirium Tremens: “Old Wine in New Bottles” or “New Wine in Old Bottles”

Abstract

Have you ever wondered how much alcohol a person has to drink (and for how long) before he or she risks developing a withdrawal syndrome after sudden abstinence? Have you ever wondered which methods are best to diagnose and quantify the severity of alcohol withdrawal? Have you been uncertain about which strategies can best manage alcohol withdrawal? If you have, then the following discussion and review of the literature should serve as a stimulus to enhance your understanding of the problem and to create effective solutions.