Emergency Medicine Reports – January 1, 2026

January 1, 2026

• Substance Withdrawal

  Drug withdrawal syndromes are a frequent and challenging presentation in emergency departments, with a spectrum ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening complications. Emergency physicians must recognize and appropriately manage these syndromes, often with limited information and under acute clinical urgency. Despite established guidelines, inconsistencies remain in recognizing when withdrawal syndromes require inpatient stabilization vs. outpatient management. This article reviews the four most encountered withdrawal syndromes — alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and antidepressants — focusing on practical, evidence-based strategies for evaluation, treatment, and disposition in the emergency department.
  

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