The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are common problems. It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans have problems with alcohol dependence that adversely affect their lives and the lives of their families. Many of these patients, if hospitalized, have the potential to experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. ⋯ A protocol was established for identifying and treating patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal. The initiation of the treatment protocol is history- and symptom-based; treatment is symptom-triggered on the basis of frequent objective assessments. The purpose of the protocol is to prevent and control withdrawal symptoms without heavily sedating or hindering a patients' neurological assessment.