S2 Ep5: #16 Distilling Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal with Dr. Shawn CohenS2 Ep5: #16 Distilling Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal with Dr. Shawn Cohen
The Curbsiders Addiction Medicine Podcast
Dr. Shawn Cohen simplifies inpatient alcohol withdrawal management, offering practical tips and insights for healthcare professionals.
57:09•3 Aug 2023
Mastering Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal with Dr. Shawn Cohen
Episode Overview
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as early as six hours after the last drink and peak in severity within the first two to three days.
- Primary evidence-based treatment for alcohol withdrawal includes benzodiazepines, while phenobarbital emerges as an alternative, particularly for individuals at high risk of severe withdrawal.
- Symptom-triggered therapy is the preferred approach for those not at high risk, while fixed doses or phenobarbital may be necessary for high-risk cases.
- Offering evidence-based treatments and personalized care is crucial throughout the treatment process.
- Addressing the underlying chronic disease of alcohol use disorder is imperative as the symptoms subside.
“Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as little as six hours after someone's last drink. The most serious complications, such as seizures and delirium tremens, require close monitoring and immediate treatment.”
Handling alcohol withdrawal in a hospital setting can be daunting, but Dr. Shawn Cohen from Yale University breaks it down in this episode of 'The Curbsiders Addiction Medicine Podcast'. If you're curious about the best practices for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Cohen dives into the specifics, from triaging patients to choosing the right benzodiazepines, and even discusses the role of phenobarbital in treatment.
You'll gain insights into the pathophysiology of alcohol withdrawal and learn about the 'kindling effect', which makes each subsequent withdrawal episode potentially more severe. Dr. Cohen also covers the criteria for diagnosing severe alcohol withdrawal and the clinical scales used to measure it. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable, actionable tips for providing effective care.
Plus, completing the CME for this episode can help meet the new DEA 8-hour requirement on substance use disorders education. Tune in to enhance your clinical skills and better support your patients through alcohol withdrawal.
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