What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Unfortunately the reason many individuals do not get the help that they need for their alcohol abuse is because they are afraid of experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms. Perhaps they have heard a few of the horror stories and now they are too scared to get help. It is important to understand that not everyone experiences painful withdrawal and there are different types of detox procedures available that can help keep you comfortable while you are getting better!

Moderate, Mild or Not At All

The truth is that the severity of your symptoms will depend on how much you have been consuming, the frequency with which you have been drinking and how long you have been abusing alcohol. If your alcohol consumption has been minimal and not very often, then you may very well experience mild withdrawal symptoms or none at all. If, however, your abuse has been excessive and chronic, you may experience moderate to severe symptoms.

It Depends on a Number of Factors

During your abuse chemical toxins have been collecting in your system. When you detox, you quit your consumption and the process allows your body to flush the toxic chemicals from your system. Your central nervous system has grown accustomed to your alcohol intake, so when you stop drinking, your body will begin to crave something it is used to that you are no longer giving it. The results are withdrawal symptoms which generally begin within a few hours after the last time you consumed alcohol and up to 48 hours.

Typical Effects

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms usually include:
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Tremors
• Seizures

Psychological symptoms may also include:
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression

Psychological withdrawal may continue long after the physical symptoms subside, in some cases for several months. Another sign that is more serious is the appearance of the DTs or delirium tremens. The DTs usually appear within three to five days after you quit consumption and are periods of confusion, disorientation and hallucinations. The DTs can also be physical such as the shakes and sweating and if left untreated they can be fatal.

Avoiding Uncomfortable Withdrawal

IV therapy medical detox is seen as the best method of alcohol detox, while experiencing the least amount of withdrawal symptoms. IV therapy medical detox should be administered under the supervision of a physician. Intravenous therapy is crucial because it allows the physician to make any necessary changes to the medication protocol as the withdrawal symptoms change which keep the patient comfortable.