Journal of hospital medicine : an official publication of the Society of Hospital Medicine
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Multicenter Study
Medications for alcohol-use disorder and follow-up after hospitalization for alcohol withdrawal: A multicenter study.
Alcohol withdrawal is a common reason for admission to acute care hospitals. Prescription of medications for alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and close outpatient follow-up are commonly recommended, but few studies report their effects on postdischarge outcomes. ⋯ Readmission and return to heavy drinking are common for patients discharged for alcohol withdrawal. Medications for AUD were not associated with improved outcomes. The only intervention at the time of discharge that improved outcomes was discharge to residential treatment program, which was associated with decreased readmission and improved abstinence.