Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis

	Alcohol Withdrawal Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Alcohol withdrawal from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Alcohol Withdrawal Calculator
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis
Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Alcohol withdrawal
Risk calculators and risk factors for Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis

For patient information click here.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

How well a person does depends on the amount of organ damage and whether the person can stop drinking completely. Alcohol withdrawal may range from a mild and uncomfortable disorder to a serious, life-threatening condition. People who continue to drink a lot may develop health problems such as liver and heart disease. Most people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery. However, death is possible, especially if delirium tremens occurs.

Overview

Natural History

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually resolve within seven days of alcohol intake discontinuation.^[1]
Most patients with alcohol withdrawal have mild symptoms and may be treated with outpatient management.^[2]

Complications

Complications of alcohol withdrawal may include:

Prognosis

5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal will present with severe alcohol withdrawal characteristics including:^[2]
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DT)

References

↑ Muncie HL, Yasinian Y, Oge' L (2013). "Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome". Am Fam Physician. 88 (9): 589–95. PMID 24364635.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Schuckit MA (2014). "Recognition and management of withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)". N Engl J Med. 371 (22): 2109–13. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1407298. PMID 25427113.

[pmid24364635-1] Muncie HL, Yasinian Y, Oge' L (2013). "Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome". Am Fam Physician. 88 (9): 589–95. PMID 24364635.

[pmid25427113-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Schuckit MA (2014). "Recognition and management of withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)". N Engl J Med. 371 (22): 2109–13. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1407298. PMID 25427113.

[1]

[2]