Alcohol Withdrawal – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!
Alcohol Abstinence – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that everyone should be aware of. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in people who have been drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years and then stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as two hours after the last drink, persist for weeks, and range from mild anxiety and tremors to severe complications such as seizures and delirium tremens (also called DTs). The mortality rate from TDs – which are characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat and fever – is estimated to be between 1% and 5%.
Because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can quickly worsen, it is important to seek medical attention even if symptoms are apparently mild. Appropriate alcohol withdrawal treatments can reduce the risk of developing withdrawal seizures or DTs.
It’s especially important to see a doctor if you’ve experienced previous episodes of alcohol withdrawal or if you have other health conditions, such as infections, heart disease, lung disease, or a history of seizures.
Main Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear six to a few days after the last drink. These usually include at least two of the following:
- tremors
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- vomit
- Headache
- An increased heart rate
- sundating
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- High pressure
Symptoms may worsen for two to three days and persist for weeks. They may be more noticeable when you wake up with less alcohol in your blood.
The most serious type of alcohol withdrawal is known as delirium tremens (DT). Its signs and symptoms include:
- extreme confusion
- extreme agitation
- Fever
- seizures
- Tactile hallucinations, such as having an itching, burning, or numb sensation that isn’t actually occurring
- Auditory hallucinations or auditory sounds that are not there
- Visual hallucinations, or seeing images that don’t exist
If you have severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms , it’s a medical emergency. Ask for help or go to the emergency room. A high fever, hallucinations, and heart disorders are reasons to seek immediate help.
Main Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal: Excessive drinking excites and irritates the nervous system. If you drink daily, your body becomes dependent on alcohol over time. When this happens, your central nervous system can no longer easily adapt to the lack of alcohol. If you suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it can cause alcohol withdrawal .
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal: Treatment for alcohol withdrawal depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some people can be treated at home, but others may need supervised care in a hospital setting to avoid potentially dangerous complications such as seizures.
The first goal of treatment is to keep you comfortable managing your symptoms. Alcohol counseling is another important treatment goal. Your doctor wants you to stop drinking as quickly and safely as possible.
Home Care: Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be treated at home. A relative or friend must stay with you to monitor your condition. Your job is to make sure that if you develop any worsening of your symptoms, they take you to the hospital or call 911 right away. They should also help you get to your counseling appointments and visit the doctor regularly for any routine blood tests that may be ordered.
You may also need testing for alcohol-related medical problems. If your home environment isn’t helpful for staying sober, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can connect you with shelter programs for people recovering from alcohol dependence.
Hospitalization: If your symptoms are more severe, you will need to stay in the hospital. This is how your doctor can monitor your condition and manage any complications. You may need fluids through your veins to prevent dehydration and medications to help relieve your symptoms.
Medications: Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are often treated with sedatives called benzodiazepines. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
Also, vitamin supplements can be given to replace essential vitamins that are depleted by alcohol consumption. Once withdrawal is complete, additional medications and supplements may be needed to address complications and nutritional deficiencies that occur as a result of chronic alcohol use.