Correlates of alcohol withdrawal

Aims

To study the withdrawal process and its association with clinical and socio-demographic factors.

Methods

A total of 126 patients, all males admitted to an inpatient de addiction unit in Kerala for treatment were assessed and based on the inclusion criteria 103 patients were included in the study. A semi structured proforma was used to collect socio-demographic data, CIWA- Ar was used to assess severity of withdrawal. Motivation and social support were assessed.

Results

The severity of withdrawal correlated significantly with the years of dependent use (p<0.001), the amount of alcohol consumed (p<0.001), the external pressure score of motivation scale (p=0.02) and the liver enzyme levels.

Conclusions

Higher amounts of alcohol consumption, the years of dependent use, treatment on external pressure and liver enzyme abnormalities were associated with severe withdrawal.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v4i2.5478