In alcohol withdrawal, which of the following is NOT listed as a treatment?

• A. Benzodiazepines
• B. Anticonvulsants
• C. Multivitamin
• D. Beta-blockers

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that treating alcohol withdrawal focuses on calming brain activity, preventing seizures, and correcting nutritional deficiencies. Benzodiazepines are used first because they boost the calming effects of GABA, reducing CNS hyperexcitability and lowering the risk of withdrawal seizures and agitation. If symptoms are particularly severe or seizures are a concern, anticonvulsants can be added to help stabilize neural activity and lessen withdrawal severity. Multivitamin therapy, especially thiamine, is essential to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy in people with chronic alcohol use. Beta-blockers, while they can ease some autonomic symptoms like rapid heart rate or tremor, do not address the core CNS withdrawal process or prevent seizures, and they aren’t a standard part of withdrawal treatment protocols.