Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a cluster of signs and symptoms that men and women that have had an alcohol abuse problem for months, years or weeks could experience as soon as they stop consuming alcohol. Individuals that only drink once in a while rarely have withdrawal signs and symptoms.
People that have gone through withdrawal before are actually more likely to have withdrawal signs and symptoms each time they quit alcohol consumption.
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
Symptoms could be extreme or moderate, and may include:
Shakiness
Sweats
Nervousness
Irritability
Fatigue
Melancholy
Headaches
Sleeplessness
Frightening Dreams
Decreased appetite
More extreme withdrawal symptoms may also include fever, convulsions and delirium tremens (also called DTs). People that have DTs may suffer from mental confusion, nervousness and even hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there). If they are not treated by a physician, dts can be very serious.
Do individuals going through withdrawal need to see a physician?
Yes. Your doctor needs to know you're going through withdrawal so he or she can ensure it does not cause more serious health problems. If you go through withdrawal a number of times without obtaining the right treatment, your symptoms could get worse each time. Even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't appear to be that injurious, it's important to see your doctor. This is especially true for individuals that have had bad withdrawal signs and symptoms before and men and women who have other health-related issues, like infections, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or a past history of convulsions.
People who stop using other substances (like tobacco, injected drugs or speed) simultaneously they stop drinking alcohol might have extreme withdrawal issues. They should see a doctor before they quit.
How can my medical professional assist me if I'm in withdrawal?
Your doctor can supply the encouragement you need to succeed in your attempts to stop drinking. She or he can monitor your withdrawal signs and symptoms to help prevent more serious health-related problems.
Your physician can also prescribe medications to control the trembling, anxiousness and mental confusion that can accompany alcohol withdrawal. If you take these medicines 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 help me if I'm going through withdrawal?
The urge to drink again during withdrawal can be profoundly powerful. 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").
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Signs?
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More extreme withdrawal 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 worse each time. Even if your withdrawal signs and symptoms don't appear to be that bad, it's important to see your doctor. After withdrawal symptoms go away, it's crucial to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see contact information under "Other Organizations").
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-abuse-and-dependence-topic-overview
