Prompt responses to the administration of ethanol in the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
OBJECTIVE
To report the beneficial effect of the administration of ethanol in the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).


METHODS
In 3 instances of the AWS in subjects who used alcohol in socially acceptable amounts, ethanol was administered in one case intravenously, and in 2 cases orally.


RESULTS
Symptoms were dramatically relieved in 20, 10 and 5 minutes, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
1. This study suggests the greater use of ethanol in the treatment of AWS. 2. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in subjects who drank only 30 to 60 mL of whiskey daily. 3. Withdrawal manifestations may take up to 10 weeks to clear. 4. The violent reaction of patients to being restrained physically in their management, the restraint reaction, may find its analogy in Watson's intolerable restraint reaction in infants.
Fisher
C M
CM
Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020268:Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol