Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Alcohol withdrawal epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The incidence of alcohol dependence is approximately 8 million individuals, annually, in the United States, and about 50% of them experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms with decreased or discontinuation of alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal is rare in patients <30 years old, and the severity increases with more age. 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal will present with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium tremens (DT). 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens (DT) die from various complications.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- The incidence of alcohol dependence is approximately 8 million individuals, annually, in the United States, and about 50% of them experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms with decreased or discontinuation of alcohol consumption.[1][2]
Prevalence
- The prevalence of alcohol withdrawal is approximately 50% of middle-class individuals with alcohol use disorder.
- The prevalence of alcohol withdrawal is approximately 80% of hospitalized or homeless individuals with alcohol use disorder.[2]
Case-fatality rate/Mortality rate
- 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal will present with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium tremens (DT).[3] 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens (DT) die from various complications such as cardiovascular, metabolic, infections, and trauma.[4][5]
Age
Gender
- It is estimated that about 20% of men and 10% of women have alcohol use disorder, and in about half of them alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be observed with a decrease in alcohol intake.[1][2]
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Schuckit MA (2009). “Alcohol-use disorders”. Lancet. 373 (9662): 492–501. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60009-X. PMID 19168210.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association. 2013. ISBN 0890425558.
- ↑ Schuckit MA (2014). “Recognition and management of withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)”. N Engl J Med. 371 (22): 2109–13. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1407298. PMID 25427113.
- ↑ VICTOR M, ADAMS RD (1953). “The effect of alcohol on the nervous system”. Res Publ Assoc Res Nerv Ment Dis. 32: 526–73. PMID 13134661.
- ↑ Cutshall BJ (1965). “The Saunderssutton syndrome: an analysis of delirium tremens”. Q J Stud Alcohol. 26 (3): 423–48. PMID 5858249.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shakiba Hassanzadeh, MD[2] Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [3]; Kiran Singh, M.D. [4]