Advanced Management of Alcohol Withdrawal: Case-Based, Evidence-Informed Solutions

Friday, April 24, 2026

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM PT

Location: Seaport Ballroom, Level 2

Presenter(s)

Tessa L. Steel, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington

Slides Handouts
Melissa B. Weimer, DO, MCR, DFASAM

Physician/Associate Professor of Medicine (General Medicine) and of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut
Ryan JJ Buckley, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut

Handouts

Managing severe and resistant alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) requires rapid decision-making, nuanced clinical judgment, and coordinated care across multiple disciplines. This advanced, case-based session prepares clinicians to assess and treat complex AWS presentations using validated tools and current treatment guidelines. Attendees will explore pharmacologic strategies, escalation protocols, and approaches for special populations, including older adults, pregnant patients, and those with co-occurring conditions. The session emphasizes practical application to improve outcomes in high-risk clinical scenarios.

PCSS-MAUD Resources & Additional Education: https://www.pcss-maud.org/curricula

Learning Objectives:

Learners will be able to:

Analyze complex patient presentations using validated assessment tools (e.g., PAWSS, CIWA-Ar, MINDS, RASS) to guide risk stratification and individualized treatment planning.
Apply pharmacologic and supportive care strategies to the management of severe and resistant alcohol withdrawal in various clinical settings.
Select appropriate screening, diagnostic, and treatment strategies to overcome challenges with complex patient cases of AWS.

Disclosure(s):

Tessa L. Steel, MD, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Melissa B. Weimer, DO, MCR, DFASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Ryan JJ Buckley, MD, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose