This session provides a focused review of alcohol use disorder and its management in acute care and hospital settings, emphasizing evidence-based assessment, withdrawal management, initiation of treatment, and integration of addiction care into medical settings. Aligned with the ACAAM National Addiction Medicine Didactic Curriculum and ABPM content areas, the session explores the identification and treatment of alcohol-related conditions, pharmacologic approaches to withdrawal management, and strategies for initiating long-term treatment during hospitalization.
What This Covers
• Alcohol epidemiology, screening, and diagnostic approaches in clinical care
• Recognition of alcohol-related presentations in emergency and inpatient settings as opportunities for intervention
• Evidence-based assessment and management of alcohol withdrawal, including use of CIWA-Ar and PAWSS
• Pharmacologic treatment strategies for alcohol withdrawal, including benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, and adjunctive therapies
• Medications for alcohol use disorder, including initiation during hospitalization and transition to outpatient care
• Integration of addiction treatment into medical settings through coordinated follow-up and multidisciplinary care models
• Practical approaches to improving engagement in treatment and supporting ongoing recovery
How This Resource Is Used
This session is designed for on-demand learning, focused content review, and board preparation. It may be used to reinforce foundational addiction medicine concepts, supplement fellowship training, or support preparation for addiction medicine certification examinations. Learners can engage with specific topic areas independently or complete the full session as part of a structured study plan.