Which patients are appropriate for outpatient alcohol detoxification?

Patients who meet the following criteria are candidates for outpatient alcohol detox.

• CIWA score 8 - 15. CIWA less than 8 may not need detox unless last alcohol consumption was less than 8 hours ago and withdrawal symptoms have not yet manifest. CIWA greater than 15 will likely benefit from inpatient detox.
  
• able to take po meds
  
• have a reliable close contact who can stay with the patient throughout the detox period (3-5 days) and monitor the patient
  
• able to attend daily medical visits
  
• no unstable psych or medical condition
  
• not pregnant
  
• no history of DTs or alcohol withdrawal seizures
  

Source

Volpicell, J and Teitelbaum, S. "Ambulatory alcohol detoxification" Up to Date. 8 Sep 2009.