Withdrawal management in disorders of substance use

In these guidelines, the term ‘withdrawal management’ describes short-term interventions (eg over 7 days) that provide support (and sometimes medications to manage symptoms) to reduce substance use safely, usually with the aim of stopping use. Gradual reduction in use is considered separately in substance-specific topics and includes weaning of medications.

Unplanned withdrawal can occur when a person is suddenly unable to use a substance, for example when admitted to hospital for an acute medical or surgical illness. The risk of complications is increased in unplanned withdrawal, particularly with delayed diagnosis of alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal; seek specialist advice as outlined in substance-specific topics.

The following sections outline how best to plan for and implement safer short-term withdrawal interventions.