Alcohol and benzodiazepines: withdrawal syndromes

A mixed alcohol-benzodiazepine (BD) addiction was recognized in 25 alcoholics who were admitted for detoxification. They experienced a withdrawal syndrome, atypical for alcoholics, starting 2--10 days after abrupt discontinuation of drugs and characterized by more psychomotor and less autonomic nervous system signs than is usual in alcohol withdrawal. The timing and nature of the specific symptoms in the mixed sedative addiction resembled BD withdrawal. Treatment with tapering oral barbiturates after sedative tolerance tests was effective. Awareness of the mixed alcohol--BD addiction should result in improved recognition and treatment.