Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence is a pattern of compulsive drinking with impaired control, tolerance and possible withdrawal when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
Key points
- Abrupt stopping can be dangerous after sustained heavy use; withdrawal risk should be assessed before attempting detoxification.
- Medicines can support withdrawal management or relapse prevention, but work best within a broader care plan.
- Liver health, mental health, other substance use, nutrition and social safety all influence treatment.
The listings below are not a do-it-yourself detox plan; medicine choice and timing require clinical assessment.
Making withdrawal safer
Withdrawal can begin with tremor, sweating, anxiety, nausea and insomnia, then progress to seizures or delirium in severe cases. Risk is higher with previous complicated withdrawal, very heavy use or significant illness. Supervised treatment may include a time-limited sedative regimen, thiamine and monitoring.
Supporting recovery
Relapse-prevention medicines reduce reward, craving or drinking in different ways and have distinct liver, kidney and opioid-related contraindications. Psychological treatment, peer support, practical planning and management of anxiety or depression improve the chance of sustained change.
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency help for a seizure, hallucinations, severe confusion, collapse, chest pain, uncontrolled vomiting, suicidal thoughts or rapidly worsening agitation after reducing alcohol.