What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms that people can experience when they stop drinking. Often it occurs in people who have had an alcohol abuse problem for weeks, months, or years. Those who drank only once rarely had withdrawals. People who have gone through withdrawal before are more likely to have symptoms every time they quit drinking.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may include:
- trembling
- sweat
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Worry
- Irritability
- Depression
- Tired
- Difficulty sleeping
- nightmare
- Reduced appetite
- Changes in heart rate (too fast or too slow)
More serious withdrawal symptoms may also include fever, seizures, and delirium (DT). DT can cause confusion, panic, and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real). DTs can be very serious if doctors don’t treat them.
The way to improve health
Talk to your doctor if you think you are quitting alcohol. It doesn’t matter if your symptoms are mild or severe. Your doctor needs to know your problem and if you have had it before. They will treat and manage your symptoms to make sure they don’t lead to other health problems. If you go through detox many times and get no treatment, your symptoms may get worse each time.
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Infections, such as HIV
- Heart disease
- lung disease
- History of seizures
- Other health problems
- A history of alcohol and drug abuse. People who quit using drugs and alcohol at the same time may have worse withdrawal symptoms. This applies to tobacco, prescription drugs and illegal drugs
Talk to your doctor before you quit. They can provide the support you need to succeed in your efforts to quit drinking. They help control your withdrawal symptoms to prevent more serious health problems. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. Medicines can help control tremors, anxiety, and confusion. It may help to take these medications early in your withdrawal period. They can keep symptoms from getting worse or lasting for a long time.
People with severe withdrawal often need to go to the hospital. They may need fluids to prevent or treat dehydration. They may also need medication to treat symptoms. They are usually given through an IV. Your doctor can tell you what level of testing or treatment you need.
Things to consider
The urge to drink again during withdrawal can be very strong. Support from family and friends can help you fight that urge. It’s important to avoid any triggers or situations that might make you want to drink. This may mean avoiding certain places or people.
After withdrawal symptoms go away, you may need further treatment. You can join a support group or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs can help prevent relapse.
There are also medications your doctor can prescribe to help you stay awake.
Three drugs that can help with alcohol addiction are:
- disulfiram(brand name: Antabuse) produces unpleasant effects even if you drink only small amounts of alcohol.
- Acamprosatecan be used in conjunction with counseling to help rewire your brain to stop you from drinking.
- Naltrexone(two brands: Revia or Vivitrol) reduces cravings and blocks “high” alcohol.