Explain Alcohol Withdrawal

Once they stop drinking, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that individuals who have had an alcohol abuse issue for months, years or weeks could experience. People who only drink once in a while rarely have withdrawal signs and symptoms. Men and women that have gone through withdrawal in the past are actually more likely to have withdrawal signs and symptoms every time they stopped alcohol consumption. What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

Signs and symptoms might be severe or moderate, and could include:

Shakiness

Perspiring

Anxiousness

Irritability

Fatigue

Depression

Headaches

Insomnia

Frightening

Dreams

Reduced appetite

More severe withdrawal signs and symptoms could also include fever, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). People that have DTs could experience mental confusion, anxiousness or even hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not truly there). DTs can be extremely serious if they aren't cared for by a physician.

Do individuals going through withdrawal ought to see a doctor?

Yes. Your physician should know you're experiencing withdrawal so he or she can ensure it doesn't cause more dangerous health problems. If you experience withdrawal a number of times without obtaining the right treatment, your signs and symptoms may get worse each time. So even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't seem that harmful, it's essential to see your doctor. This is especially true for people that have had injurious withdrawal symptoms before and individuals who have other health-related problems, like infections, heart disease, lung disease or a past history of convulsions.

Individuals who quit abusing other drugs (such as using tobacco, injected drugs or cocaine) at the same time they stop drinking alcohol might have severe withdrawal problems. They should consult a physician before they stop.

How can my doctor assist me if I'm in withdrawal?

Your physician can dispense the support you need to be successful in your attempts to stop drinking. He or she can keep an eye on your withdrawal signs and symptoms to help prevent more serious health problems.

Your medical professional can also prescribe medications to manage the trembling, anxiousness and confusion that can accompany alcohol withdrawal. They may keep your symptoms from getting worse if you take these medications at an early stage of the withdrawal.

What can my family and friends do to assist me if I'm experiencing withdrawal?

The urge to drink again throughout withdrawal can be very powerful. After withdrawal signs and symptoms go away, it's important to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations").

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Signs?

More severe withdrawal signs and symptoms could also include high temperature, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). If you go through withdrawal a number of times without getting the appropriate treatment, your signs and symptoms may get more severe each time. Even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't seem that harmful, it's essential to see your physician. After withdrawal signs and symptoms go away, it's crucial to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations").

symptoms of withdrawal