Unless a patient can be managed on a well-resourced unit where regular assessment of withdrawal symptoms can be undertaken, a fixed-dose reducing regimen of a benzodiazepine (diazepam or chlordiazepoxide) four times daily over 5–10 days is recommended over ‘symptom-triggered’ (as required) prescribing. 12 Patients should not be started on a medically assisted detox in the community unless there is adequate provision for monitoring and a clear management plan for the maintenance of abstinence.