Managing Alcohol Withdrawal

Course overview

Purpose of This Course The purpose of the course is to look at alcohol withdrawal and the treatment for the best management of the condition. Objectives To identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal To understand the risks that are associated with alcohol withdrawal To have knowledge of the components CIWA-Ar assessment To identify treatments for alcohol withdrawal Alcohol can be a substance that is use to celebrate, to sooth, to calm or even to self-medicate. Most people will at least try it once in their lives and others may not be able to stop using it. Alcohol is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world (Houchins, J., 2017). Alcohol can be consumed safely and responsibly, but can easily lead to abuse and dependence when used in excess (Houchins, J., 2017). According to a survey that was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2015) found that of 140 million Americans, people the ages of 12 or older, use alcohol. Of those people, 23% binge drink, 6% were heavy drinkers, and 6% met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (SAMHSA, 2015). Of those that were surveyed, only a very small percentage of people with an alcohol use disorder seek treatment (SAMHSA, 2015). In healthcare, we may see patients that are open about their alcohol use and others may hide their use. No matter which patients we are caring for, nurses and healthcare providers need to assess and manage alcohol use at the earliest identified symptom. Any patient that enters our care could be at risk for alcohol withdrawal. Do you have the knowledge and experience to help them? This course aims to give you more knowledge about alcohol withdrawal and its treatments.