Withdrawal after prolonged, heavy alcohol use can lead to a number of symptoms that cause clinically significant suffering or impaired social or occupational functioning. Without adequate pharmacotherapy, these symptoms of varying severity can progress to major complications, such as seizures or delirium tremens, and can sometimes lead to death. Although most addiction facilities utilize a hierarchical model of withdrawal severity based on the assessment of the individual’s risks using standardized clinical tools, the nature of these tools is heterogenous across the different facilities, and certain aspects of the practices vary from one region of Québec to another. Furthermore, many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) could benefit from relapse prevention therapy immediately after withdrawal in that it could help them achieve and maintain their goals concerning their AUD.

• Alcohol use disorder1 (AUD) is a chronic, recurring disease that requires ongoing, personalized interdisciplinary management.
• Even if the individual does not have AUD, a sudden reduction in or cessation of prolonged, heavy drinking can lead to a withdrawal syndrome that, if left untreated, can cause serious complications.
• The management of AUD involves both treatment for withdrawal and treatment for preventing relapses, both of which should, when applicable, be offered at the same time to ensure the continuity of care.