Choice of setting for planned alcohol withdrawal

The safety of the setting for planned alcohol withdrawal (at home, in a community facility or in hospital) depends on the likelihood of severe withdrawal and the extent of the person’s social supports. Seek specialist advice on choice of setting from a clinical advisory service if a patient has any predictors of severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal or if unsure about assessing these factors.

Planned alcohol withdrawal can be undertaken in a home setting if the person has no predictors of severe withdrawal and all of the requirements for withdrawal in a home setting are met. In some metropolitan centres, community-based inpatient withdrawal management units manage patients with predictors of severe withdrawal, although patients with multiple predictors may require hospitalisation. Hospital management is required if the person has an acute illness (medical, surgical or mental) or a deterioration during community treatment.