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Flowcharts
Inpatient Management
Monitoring
Frequency:
• For mild withdrawal, monitor for up to 36 hours
• For moderate to severe withdrawal, or if medications are used, monitor at least
every 1–4 hours for 24 hours, as clinically indicated. Then every 4–8 hours for 24
hours, as clinically indicated.
Assess:
• Withdrawal severity using validated scale
• Vital signs
• Orientation, sleep and emotional status including suicidal thoughts
• If taking withdrawal medication, signs of over-sedation
Supportive Care
Assess need for:
• Thiamine
• Hydration
• Electrolyte/other nutrition correction
Use existing safety measures and protocols (e.g., assess risk for fall/syncope)
Treat other conditions found during initial assessment or follow-up with Primary Care
Pharmacotherapy
See Pharmacotherapy Protocol
AUD Treatment Engagement
As cognitive status permits:
• Initiate AUD treatment, including medications for AUD (e.g., acamprosate,
disulfiram, or naltrexone) if appropriate, or refer to a qualified provider
Ongoing Care (Follow-up)
AUD treatment:
• If not initiated, provide referral for AUD treatment and counseling
• If initiated, arrange ongoing prescription for AUD medications
Medical care:
• Advise follow-up with Primary Care regarding unresolved conditions found
during initial assessment
