The use of haloperidol to control agitation/violence during admission to an alcohol detoxification center.

In a consecutive 24 month experience at a medical, non-hospital, alcohol detoxification center operating under a Uniform Alcoholism Act, the R.N.'s option (in the standing orders) for use of haloperidol (5 mg I.M.) proved remarkably beneficial in the control of agitation combativeness, or violence exhibited on admission. There were 24 instances of use during 6,947 admissions and undesired side effects were rare even in patients receiving the drug on multiple admissions.