Methods for the development of the curricula include identifying knowledge deficiencies using a questionnaire for nursing staff.  Medication administration records for as needed medications were reviewed.  The correlation between physiological symptoms of withdrawal and the administration of as needed medications was examined. This material has been reviewed with the pharmacy staff and medical director and has led to recommendations for the alteration of existing protocols. Anticipated results include decreased power struggles between nursing staff and patients over the administration of as needed medications related to knowledge deficits.  Knowledge deficits identified include:  mechanism of action of medications; correlation between elevation in diastolic blood pressure, elevation in pulse and tremors during withdrawal and the need for medication administration to control withdrawal symptoms; identification of physiological symptoms of withdrawal. In process is the development and implementation of Ativan in a detoxification protocol with standing orders sets; the implementation of revised order sets for existing detoxification protocols; new training materials for nursing staff related to vital signs and the implementation of new documentation for recording vital signs.