Signs and symptoms assessment: a guide for the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

A technique for evaluating signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that provides an accurate guide to benzodiazepine dosage is presented. In addition to achieving homeostasis, the total benzodiazepine dosage is greatly reduced. Adjunctive therapies for seizure prophylaxis and hypertension as well as substitution of other benzodiazepines for diazepam are discussed.