Alcohol withdrawal syndromes.

Current studies have begun to elucidate the pathophysiology of alcoholism and its withdrawal syndrome. Newer benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, butyrophenones and calcium channel blocking agents, alone and in combination, have been studied recently in alcohol withdrawal. This article discusses evaluation and therapy for delirium tremens, major alcohol withdrawal, mild alcohol withdrawal, adjunct therapy, and admission criteria.