Alcoholism Withdrawal

Alcoholism withdrawal is a serious condition that can occur when excessive drinking over a prolonged period of time is suddenly halted. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that physical and psychological symptoms of alcoholism withdrawal can range from mild to severe/life-threatening.

The NIH’s list of moderate symptoms include nervousness, shakiness, anxiety, irritability or easy excitability, sudden emotional changes, headaches, fatigue, nightmares and problems thinking clearly.

Among the severe symptoms are fever, convulsions, black outs, delirium tremens (confusion and visual hallucinations), involuntary movements of the eyelids, hand tremors, nausea, abnormal loss of skin color, clammy skin, dilated pupils, and rapid heart rate.

Symptoms usually begin within twelve hours after alcohol is last consumed. The symptoms peak in two to three days but may persist for a week or more. Sleep disturbances, mood changes and fatigue could last for up to twelve months or longer.

Whatever the degree of alcoholism withdrawal symptoms, the NIH recommends calling a physician or taking the affected person to the nearest emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.

This is particularly important if the individual has abused alcohol over a long-term basis or has, on previous occasions, quit drinking after a period of heavy alcohol consumption. Go immediately to the emergency room or call 911 if dangerous symptoms are presented, including seizures, fever, delirium or severe confusion, hallucinations or irregular heart beat.

In order that the individual can be closely monitored, an inpatient stay in the hospital is usually required. Heavy sedation may be necessary at least initially to lessen symptoms.

Sedation could then be administered in moderate doses for a week or longer until withdrawal is done. Antipsychotic medications may be required if the individual suffers from hallucinations, while anticonvulsants, medication that addresses cardiovascular and anxiety issues, and depressants are options if the individual suffers from delirium tremens.

After the acute symptoms of withdrawal are alleviated, long-term preventative treatment is begun, involving a “drying-out” or detoxification period where alcohol consumption is prohibited. Then, the NIH states that alcoholism rehabilitation is generally advocated.

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