Benzodiazepines are the most common family of drugs used for<unk> , followed by barbiturates. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) or oxazepam (Serax) are the most commonly used drugs used to reduce<unk>  withdrawal symptoms. There are several treatment patterns in which it is used. # The first option takes into consideration the varying degrees of tolerance. In it, a standard dose of the benzodiazepine is given every half-hour until light sedation is reached. Once a baseline dose is determined, the medication is tapered over the ensuing 3 to 10 days. # Another option is to give a standard dose of benzodiazepine based on history and adjust based on withdrawal phenomenon # A third option is to defer treatment until symptoms occur. This method should not be used in patients with prior,<unk> -related seizures. This has been effective in randomized controlled trials. A non-randomized, before and after, observational study found that symptom-triggered therapy was advantageous. Dosing of the benzodiazepines can be guided by the CIWA scale. The scale is available online. Regarding the choice of benzodiazepine: * Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is the benzodiazepine of choice in uncomplicated<unk>  withdrawal due to its long half-life. * Lorazepam or diazepam is available as an injection for patients who cannot safely take medications by mouth. * Lorazepam and oxazepam are indicated in patients with impaired liver function because they are metabolised outside of the liver. Nitrous oxide Nitrous oxide has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for<unk>  withdrawal. Over 20,000 cases of the<unk> ic withdrawal state have been successfully treated with psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide (PAN) in South Africa and Finland. In 1992 it was officially approved for the treatment of addictive withdrawal states by the medical authorities in South Africa. Consequently, patients receiving it can claim a refund from their medical insurance. The gas therapy reduces the use of highly addictive sedative medications (like benzodiazepines and barbiturates) by over 90%. The technique thus reduces the danger of secondary addiction to benzodiazepines, which can be a real problem amongst<unk> ics who have been treated with these agents. Other Randomized controlled trials have found benefit from atenolol and clonidine. A randomized controlled trial has found benefit from carbamazepine.GHB sold in Italy for therapeutic use. Some hospitals administer<unk>  to prevent<unk>  withdrawal although there are potential problems with this practice. Various vitamins, especially from the B group, are often used during<unk>  withdrawal treatment. Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). It is used for both acute<unk>  withdrawal and medium-to-long-term<unk> . This drug enhances GABA neurotransmission and reduces glutamate levels. It is used in Italy in small amounts under the trade name Alcover. Baclofen has been shown in animal studies and in small human studies to enhance<unk> . This drug acts as a GABA B receptor agonist and this may be beneficial. Phenibut is used in Eastern Europe for<unk>  as it has sedative and anxiolytic effects.
Alcohol detoxification
Drug diversion
Drug detoxification
Palliative sedation
Antipsychotic switching
Opioid tapering
Stimulant maintenance
Antimanic drugs