The Impact of Hospital Protocol for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Background: Alcohol use disorder remains a prevalent condition within current society. For a smaller, but ever growing population, alcohol use evolves into a severe, addictive disease process. Individuals managing this disorder can suffer from acute withdrawals and further comorbidities causing eventual detriment. Medical institutions attempt to combat withdrawal with varying forms of treatment, utilized to manage symptoms and further issues “as needed.” As this condition becomes increasingly more pervasive within casual society, hospitals’ fragmented attempts to manage this disease process proves to be ineffective for this patient population. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze current methods of hospital protocol and treatment for patients with alcohol use disorder, then implement appropriate research into hospital guidelines. Methods: PubMed, The Lancet, Oxford Academic, Science Direct, The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and BioMed Central were used to analyze relevant research. A total of 61 articles were assessed for eligibility. Twenty articles were utilized within this expanded literature review. Results: Research indicates improved alcohol withdrawal through evidence based medication practices, altered hospital protocols, and continuation of medical services post discharge, allow for appropriate treatment and improved recovery. Conclusion: Alterations in hospital protocol must occur for comprehensive treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.