Outpatient Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Management: Outpatient Alcohol Detox Treatment for the Appropriate Patient, with our Director of Addiction Services at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates.

Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome:

Patients with alcohol dependence are at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) with the abrupt cessation from alcohol use.

Dr. Samantha Wyckoff: Fellowship Trained in Addiction Psychiatry, Board Certified Psychiatrist & a supervisor for young physicians studying addiction medicine at Jefferson & Temple Hospitals.

AWS typically begins 6-24 hours after the last intake of alcohol, and signs and symptoms can include tremors, agitation, nausea, sweating, vomiting, hallucinations, insomnia, tachycardia, hypertension, delirium, and seizures. Medically managed treatment of AWS aims to minimize symptoms, prevent complications, and facilitate continued abstinence. 

Management of AWS can occur in a variety of settings and depends on specific criteria that aim to assess a patient’s risk of developing complications of withdrawal. Some patients with alcohol dependence may qualify for an at-home/outpatient management of their alcohol withdrawal. This depends on several criteria, including but not limited to otherwise stable medical conditions, stable psychiatric conditions, motivation for treatment, commitment to daily check-ins with their provider, an ability to adhere to a specific medication regimen and checking daily vital signs, and commitment to consent for a reliable support/family member to participate in their treatment. Criteria that will exclude patients from at-home/outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal include but are not limited to a history of severe or complicated withdrawal in the past, active or potentially destabilizing medical problems, history of epilepsy or seizures, or physiological dependence to other substances.  

Here at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we are careful and intentional about selecting patients for a safe, at-home/outpatient alcohol detox. It usually takes several visits before beginning the outpatient withdrawal management protocol, so that the provider can gather a comprehensive history, order and review labs, and develop an individualized treatment plan. Once initiated, the outpatient detox typically takes five days. At our practice, the outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal is meant to be the initial step toward an ongoing treatment relationship for the management of alcohol use disorder. Ongoing management may include pharmacotherapy, individual psychotherapy, and/or outpatient support groups/networks. 

FAQs: Our Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome & Outpatient Detox Program

• Prior to starting the approximately 5 day outpatient detox program, patients are required to have a full 60-90 minute psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Wyckoff, our Fellowship Trained Addiction Specialist.
• After the initial psychiatric appointment, labs may be requested.
• If there are co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis, treatment of those conditions may be initiated if appropriate.
• Patients typically have at least 2 or 3 follow-up appointments to prepare for the outpatient detox program, but this period may be longer, depending on co-occurring illnesses and/or other factors.
• Patients are responsible for typical psychiatric evaluation and follow-up fees, which are found in the policies and fees section of this website.
• If a patient and provider assess that the patient is a good fit for an outpatient alcohol detoxification, the program will last 5 days and include an initial appointment for approximately 30 minutes, and daily check-ins (shorter appointments) with our provider.
• Patients will be required to have a blood pressure and heart rate monitor at their home, and must be capable of taking routine measurements throughout the process.
• Patients must agree to go to urgent care or the emergency room, should their provider deem that it is necessary, at any point in the detoxification process.
• Patients must agree to have a family member, or other reliable support, participate in treatment.
• The 5 day program is approximately 1,200.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)?

• Our Director of Addiction Services (Dr. Samantha Wyckoff) is a Fellowship Trained Addiction Medicine Psychiatrist, who is Board Certified, Supervises young physicians studying addiction at several local hospitals, and is experienced in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), alcohol dependence and substance use disorders.
• Our 25 providers offer both In-office and Virtual Telehealth Appointments within 1-2 weeks.
  • Call for provide availability of this specific condition.
• Evidenced-based and holistic care. We work with our patients to create an individualized plan that meets your specific needs and preferences for the treatment of your alcohol use disorder, or other psychiatric conditions.
• Providers licensed in PA, NJ, DE, NY, FL, CA and others. Office locations in Philadelphia, on The Main Line, Pittsburgh, Manhattan, Wilmington, DE and others. Call for availability for your specific condition.