2ND-LINE AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ALCOHOL-WITHDRAWAL - ALPHA-AGONISTS, BETA-BLOCKERS, ANTICONVULSANTS, ACUPUNCTURE AND NEURO-ELECTRICTHERAPY

BREWER C

C. Brewer, 2ND-LINE AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ALCOHOL-WITHDRAWAL - ALPHA-AGONISTS, BETA-BLOCKERS, ANTICONVULSANTS, ACUPUNCTURE AND NEURO-ELECTRICTHERAPY, Alcohol and alcoholism, 30(6), 1995, pp. 799-803

25

INGLESE

Article

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and alcoholism → ACNP

0735-0414

30

6

1995

799 - 803

ISI

0735-0414(1995)30:6<799:2AATFA>2.0.ZU;2-R

Drugs which reduce autonomic overactivity but have no sedative effects can be useful in alcohol withdrawal, either as the sole pharmacologic al intervention or in conjunction with sedative drugs. They may reduce sedative requirements, but their lack of anticonvulsant and anti-deli rium effect can be a disadvantage. Beta-blockers are more effective th an alpha-2 agonists. Non-sedative anticonvulsants are of questionable value. Acupuncture and neuro-electric therapy, though often popular wi th patients and therapists, appear to be no more than impressive place bos in this context. Non-specific treatment effects can be very promin ent in withdrawal. Support, information, reassurance and good nursing can reduce the need for specific pharmacological or psychological inte rventions.