Patient discussions

Clinicians should discuss and identify specific treatment goals with the patient regarding their alcohol use.[9] These goals may include abstinence, reduction in alcohol use, or stopping drinking in particular scenarios (e.g., before driving, when caring for children), and should be clearly documented in the patient’s medical records.[9] Techniques such as motivational interviewing may be used.[9]

A key component of ongoing supportive care for alcohol withdrawal is to facilitate continuation of treatment.[5] If the patient wishes to stop drinking, a referral should be made to counseling/self-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) for support. Alcoholics Anonymous Opens in new window General advice should be given regarding healthy lifestyle including intake of balanced diet with adequate recommended daily allowance of vitamins, especially thiamine. The patient should also be given advice on daily/weekly recommended limits of alcohol (in the US one drink or less a day for women, two drinks or less a day for men).[114]

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