Abstract
Fifty male alcoholic patients were detoxified by means of a modified diazepam loading technique, where diazepam dosing was linked to the degree ofdiazepam-induced intoxication and not to the presence of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The average period of diazepam loading from onset of alcohol withdrawal was 8.7 ± 2.7 hours. The average amount of diazepam administered was 147 ± 46 mg. There were no diazepam intoxication-or alcohol withdrawal-related complications noted with this method. Orthostatic hypotension, as well as tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and restlessness, were frequently found during alcohol withdrawal.