Course Description
About AAPP Toolkits
AAPP toolkits highlight both the evidence base available as well as strategies of clinical decision making used by expert psychiatric pharmacist clinicians. The content reflects the views and practice of the authors as substantiated with evidence-based facts as well as opinion and experience. Toolkits are peer reviewed by psychiatric pharmacists. Authors and AAPP review and update toolkits annually and strive to use up-to-date, non-stigmatizing language. Terminology does evolve rapidly and often regionally such that there may be differences between reader experiences and expectations and those of the author(s). AAPP members receive complimentary, continuous access to toolkits. Non-members can purchase for a fee for a period of 3 months.
Alcohol and benzodiazepine (BZD) withdrawal are clinical manifestations of the abrupt cessation or reduction in the use of substances which have been used regularly and heavily. Larger quantities and longer durations are associated with greater risk of developing significant alcohol or BZD withdrawal, which can be a medical emergency. Goals of treatment include minimizing and/or preventing the symptoms of withdrawal with a focus on prevention of seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
The toolkit provides information in the following areas:
- Screening
- Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Treatment
- Special Populations
- Co-occurring Disorders
- Harm Reduction
- References
Authored by AAPP member Zoe Karavolis, PharmD, BCPP, this toolkit is intended to highlight both the evidence base available as well as strategies of clinical decision making used by expert clinicians.