Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol Dependency and Withdrawal

When a heavy drinker, or someone who suffers from alcohol abuse, quits drinking for a short period of time, it is not uncommon that they will experience some type of physical withdrawal symptoms. The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is generally dependent upon on the length and frequency that a person has been drinking, as well as how chemically dependent the person has become to alcohol. Those who have developed a high level of dependency and drink heavily will likely have stronger alcohol withdrawal symptoms than those who may drink small amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. Depending on the severity of these symptoms, alcohol withdrawal can range anywhere from a mild annoyance to even being a life-threatening situation.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur in as little as 5-10 hours after the last drink has been consumed. Once these withdrawal symptoms set in they will undoubtedly get worse for the first 48-72 hours, and can persist for days to weeks at a time.

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Constant Shaking and tremors of the hands and other body parts
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Clammy Skin
• Enlarged Pupils
• Excessive Sweating
• Rapid Heart Beat
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Loss of Appetite

If a person is suffering from severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as these they should seek immediate medical attention. These severe withdrawal symptoms include:

• Extreme Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Severe confusion
• High Fever
• Seizures
• Difficulty Breathing

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

The proper treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms can not only relieve a patient’s discomfort and irritability, but can prevent the development of many potential serious side effects. One of the best methods of alcohol withdrawal treatment is through a medically assisted alcohol detox program. Medically assisted alcohol detox is the process of eliminating poisonous alcohol toxins from the body, all under 24 hour medical supervision. Medical detox not only addresses the various health concerns that quitting alcohol can have on the body, but also uses different pain and detox medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and speed up the detoxification process.

If you, or someone you love, is addicted to alcohol and is suffering from moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, do not hesitate to contact an alcohol detox facility right away. It is important to remember that these symptoms will not simply go away on their own, and can pose serious health problems if not properly treated.