In case of any adverse event or exacerbation of CIWA-Ar score, the psychiatrist was free to prescribe additional dosages according to the clinical judgment, which were also recorded in the evaluation sheet. The blinding was unmasked at the time of discharge and the outcome measures (dose of the lorazepam, duration of detoxification, adverse events such as seizures, delirium, hallucinations, increased severity of withdrawal symptoms, excessive sedation and insomnia) were recorded.Insomnia and excessive sedation were recorded based on patient’s, caregiver’s report and nurses observation. Increased severity of withdrawal symptoms was documented by an
increase in consecutive CIWA-Ar ratings.