Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
It can be extremely difficult to come to terms with the idea that you or a loved one might be an alcoholic. Often times, admitting or recognizing the problem is the hardest part, as many do not think their drinking is an issue.
But, when alcohol urges become intense, and the physical need to drink becomes unbearable because of the sweating, nausea or anxiety that sets in, you are literally experiencing “alcohol withdrawal”. It’s a frightening and dangerous situation, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
Pulse rates increase and blood pressure can be problematic making withdrawal a scary and uncomfortable time for people. In some cases of alcohol withdrawal, medical detoxification or withdrawal management is needed.
If you know what to look for, it may be easier to recognize the signs of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in yourself, or someone you know, and seek appropriate help. Causes & Risks Alcohol affects your central nervous system, heart, liver, immune system and pancreas.
When you drink excessively, your body adapts to functioning with the alcohol in your system. When you stop drinking, your body must re-adapt to functioning without the alcohol, and this causes alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in people who have been drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years and then either stop, or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption. Someone who drinks alcohol in excess on a regular basis (binge drinking), or who is suffering from alcoholism, is at a higher risk of suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
If you have these symptoms or have needed medical detox from drinking, you’re at high risk. So, what are the specific symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?SymptomsWhile a person may experience alcohol withdrawal while still having alcohol in their system, the severity of symptoms often increase as their blood alcohol level continues to go down. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
Dehydration
Tremors
Anxiety
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
An increased heart rate
Sweating
Irritability
Confusion
Insomnia
Nightmares
High blood pressure
Transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions
Psychomotor agitation
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
More severe drinking can lead to even more intense symptoms, including Delirium Tremens. Delirium Tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It involves sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Symptoms most often occur within 48 to 96 hours after the last drink. But, they can occur 7 to 10 days after the last drink. Some signs and symptoms of Delirium Tremens include the following:
Extreme dehydration
Extreme confusion
Extreme agitation
Fatigue
A fever
Seizures
Tactile hallucinations, such as having a sense of itching, burning, or numbness that isn’t actually occurring
Auditory hallucinations, or hearing sounds that don’t exist
Visual hallucinations, or seeing images that don’t exist
If you suspect that someone is having severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens, contact your local emergency room right away.
If you experience withdrawal symptoms please be seen by your medical doctor or seek detoxification services, as detoxification can be life threatening. Recognition and TreatmentRecognizing alcohol problems in a loved one, or in you, can be difficult – especially if the person is highly functioning.
Appearance of alcohol withdrawal depends on the person, their alcohol tolerance and the consistency of the alcohol abuse. If you’re worried about alcohol problems in another person, ask yourself the following questions about their behavior:
Do they have a high alcohol tolerance?
Do they express a need for alcohol when it would typically not be applicable?
Are they often noticeably drunk?
Do they miss work?
Have they gotten into trouble with the law for drinking and driving?
Are they having health issues related to alcohol addiction, such as heartburn, liver problems, high blood pressure, or insomnia?
While it can be difficult to suggest treatment to a family member or loved one, if the above questions apply, they likely have alcohol dependence and should seek help immediately.Self-tests are helpful for anyone who is ready to assess their own drinking.
With honest answers, ask yourself the following questions: Is your drinking causing you problems in any area of your life? Do you use alcohol despite repeated negative consequences in your relationships, at work, and with the law? You can also ask yourself the CAGE questions:
Cut-down: Do you ever feel that you should cut down on your drinking?
Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
Eye-opener: Have you ever had to drink as soon as you wake up to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
Dr. James Garbutt, professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and researcher at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies recommends that if your answer is ‘yes’ to two or more, then steps should be taken immediately seek professional help. A licensed medical professional should diagnose withdrawal symptoms.
If the symptoms are mild, treatment may be possible at home or via outpatient treatment. More severe cases may require hospitalization or inpatient treatment at a rehabilitation center.If you, or someone you love, is suffering from alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal symptoms, contact The Walker Center for a confidential assessment.
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