Drug Withdrawal Protocols

Remember: Always check with your resident before starting any of the protocols. In poorly supervised settings these protocols can lead to hypotension or excessive sedation.

Click on the image to enlarge and then print the protocol.

Alcohol (EtOH) withdrawal protocols

EtOH-Ativan, EtOH-Valium

Opioid (Heroin) withdrawal protocols

Opioid-Ultram, Opioid-Clonidine, Opioid-Buprenex

Cocaine withdrawal protocol

Cocaine protocol


Resources:
Pain Management Contract - a sample from Maine State Office of Substance Abuse

Poem: "My Brother" by Denver Butson from Writer's Almanac (Dec 30, 2004) depicts the life of a drug abuser from a personal perspective