What Is Alcohol Withdrawal

When they quit drinking, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms that individuals that have had an alcohol abuse issue for weeks, years or months may encounter. Men and women that only drink once in a while rarely have withdrawal signs and symptoms. Individuals that have gone through withdrawal in the past are more likely to have withdrawal signs and symptoms each time they stopped drinking. What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may include:

Shakiness Perspiring Anxiety Irritability Tiredness Depression Headaches Sleep loss Frightening Dreams Diminished desire for food

More severe withdrawal signs and symptoms could also include high temperature, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). Men and women that have DTs could suffer from mental confusion, anxiousness or even hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not truly there). DTs can be profoundly serious if they are not treated by a physician.

Do individuals experiencing withdrawal should see a physician?

Yes. Your physician ought to know you're going through withdrawal so he or she can make certain it does not bring on more dangerous health-related problems. Your symptoms could worsen every time if you go through withdrawal a number of times without getting the proper treatment. Even if your withdrawal symptoms don't appear to be that injurious, it's essential to see your physician. This is especially true for men and women that have had injurious withdrawal signs and symptoms before and people who have other health issues, such as infections, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or a record of convulsions.

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

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

Your medical professional can provide the moral support you will need to succeed in your efforts to quit consuming alcohol. He or she can keep track of your withdrawal signs and symptoms to help prevent more dangerous health problems.

Your doctor can also prescribe medications to manage the shakiness, anxiety and mental 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 friends and family do to help me if I'm going through withdrawal?

The compulsion to drink again throughout withdrawal can be very powerful. Support from friends and family may help you withstand that impulse. After withdrawal signs and symptoms go away, it's essential to join a treatment or sobriety program, like Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations"). These programs can supply the encouragement you should avoid relapse.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Signs?

More extreme withdrawal signs and symptoms could also include fever, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). If you go through withdrawal a number of times without getting the right treatment, your symptoms could get more severe each time. Even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't appear to be that harmful, it's essential to see your doctor. 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").

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