Explain Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms that men and women that have had an alcohol abuse problem for weeks, years or months could experience after they quit drinking. People that only drink once in a while rarely have withdrawal signs and symptoms. People that have experienced withdrawal before are actually much more likely to get withdrawal signs and symptoms each time they stopped drinking. What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

Symptoms can be mild or extreme, and could include:

Shakiness Perspiring Anxiousness Irritation Fatigue Depression Headaches Insomnia Nightmares Lowered appetite

More severe withdrawal symptoms could also include fever, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). Men and women who have DTs may suffer from confusion, anxiousness or even hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren't actually there). DTs can be profoundly serious if they are not cared for by a medical professional.

Do people going through withdrawal need to see a doctor?

Yes. Your doctor should know you're experiencing withdrawal so she or he can make sure it doesn't bring on more dangerous health-related issues. If you go through withdrawal a number of times without getting the appropriate treatment, your signs and symptoms may get worse each time. So even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't appear to be that harmful, it's essential to see your doctor. This is especially true for individuals who have had injurious withdrawal signs and symptoms before and individuals that have other health-related issues, such as infections, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or a history of convulsions.

People that quit using other drugs (such as tobacco, injected substances or cocaine) simultaneously they stop drinking alcohol might have extreme withdrawal issues. They should consult a physician before they stop.

How can my medical professional help me if I'm in withdrawal?

Your physician can supply the moral support you will need to be successful in your attempts to quit drinking. She or he can keep an eye on your withdrawal symptoms to help prevent more serious health-related issues.

Your physician can also prescribe medicines to control the shakiness, anxiousness and mental confusion that can come with alcohol withdrawal. If you take these medications at an early stage of the withdrawal, they may keep your signs and symptoms from getting worse.

What can my friends and family do to assist me if I'm experiencing withdrawal?

The impulse to drink again during withdrawal can be extremely strong. Moral support from family and friends can help you defend against that drive. After withdrawal signs and symptoms go away, it's essential to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations"). These programs can provide the encouragement you need to avoid relapse.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Signs?

More severe withdrawal signs and symptoms may also include fever, seizures and delirium tremens (also called DTs). If you go through withdrawal a number of times without getting the right treatment, your symptoms may get more severe each time. Even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't appear to be that bad, it's essential to see your physician. After withdrawal symptoms go away, it's essential to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations").

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