Alcohol Withdrawal: What Is It?

If you use large amounts of alcohol for weeks, months, or years, you can experience physical and psychological issues when you quit or drastically reduce your intake. We refer to this as alcohol withdrawal. There are moderate to severe symptoms.

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You are unlikely to have withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking if you very sometimes consume alcohol. However, if you’ve experienced alcohol withdrawal before, you’re more likely to experience it once more when you decide to give up.

The Reasons Behind Alcohol Withdrawal

Doctors refer to alcohol’s depressing effects on the body. It alters the way your nerves transmit data back and forth and slows down brain activity.

Your central nervous system becomes acclimated to constant alcohol exposure over time. Your body puts a lot of effort into keeping your nerves communicating with each other and your brain more alert.

Your brain remains in this highly aroused state even after the alcohol level lowers abruptly. That is the root of withdrawal.

Time Line for Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Withdrawal from alcohol can cause mild to severe symptoms. What yours are will depend on how much and how long you drank.

Six hours following your last drink: As early as six hours after you put down your drink, mild symptoms may appear. They may consist of:

Uncertainty

trembling hands

Headache

emesis

throwing up

Lack of sleep

Perspiration

12 to 48 hours following your last beverage: This period of time can also be associated with more severe issues, such as hallucinations (which often appear 12 to 24 hours after stopping alcohol) and seizures in the first two days following cessation. It is as though you can see, feel, or hear nonexistent objects. Find out more about how long the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal last.

48–72 hours after quitting alcohol: This is generally when delirium tremens, or DTs as you’ll probably hear them referred to, begin. Delusions and vivid hallucinations are among these severe symptoms. They are present in only around 5 percent of cases of alcohol withdrawal. In addition, those who do could have:

Perplexity

pounding heart

elevated blood pressure

High temperature

profuse perspiration

Identifying the Alcohol Withdrawal

Your doctor will inquire about your past drinking habits and the time since you quit if they believe you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal. They’ll inquire as to whether you’ve already experienced withdrawal.

They’ll talk about your symptoms as well. They will search for any other medical disorders during an examination to determine if they could be the cause.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatments

It’s unlikely that you’ll want more assistance than a supportive setting to get through this unless you have a major medical condition or have experienced severe withdrawals in the past. This comprises:

a calm area

Gentle lighting

little interaction with humans

A welcoming and upbeat environment

wholesome meals and plenty of liquids

Your doctor may advise you on the kind of care you should receive if you want to pursue therapy.

Seek medical attention right away (call 911) if your body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or other vital signs increase, or if you have more severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. Your physician could advise both medication therapy and inpatient care.

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed drugs that are used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures. In addition to other medications, you may also take antipsychotics and anti-seizure medications.

Is It Avoidable?

Treating alcohol withdrawal is a band-aid solution that doesn’t address the underlying issue. It is advisable to bring up therapy for alcohol misuse or dependency when you speak with your doctor about symptom alleviation. Your doctor might offer you suggestions on how to quit drinking.