Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are dangerous but there is help!
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be troublesome and may provide many challenges when it comes to receiving proper treatment. Left untreated, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal could pose serious health threats to the recovering alcoholic. This is a very dangerous time for the alcoholic and proper care should be taken to ensure absolute safety and effective recovery.
The severity of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will depend on the level of the addiction. Typically, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is characterized by agitation, anxiety, nausea and vomiting and tremors. In mild cases, these symptoms pose no real threat to the addict but in severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause irregular heartbeat, psychosis, coma and even death. Heavy, prolonged drinking is most often accountable for serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Genetics, age and various other factors can also play a role in how severe symptoms actually become.
The most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- agitation
- hallucinations
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- confusion
- depression
- diarrhea
- fear
- gastrointestinal problems
- headaches
- hypertension
- insomnia
- fever
- irritability
- nausea
- vomiting
- psychosis
- restlessness
- seizures
- coma
- tachycardia
- tremors
- death
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Treatment for the various symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can take many forms. Benzodiazepines are often used to help keep the patient calm and reduce anxiety during this difficult time. Depending on the individual symptoms that the recovering alcoholic is experiencing, medications may be provided to reduce risk of seizure or stroke, keep fever down, limit agitation and irritability or reduce gastrointestinal upset.
If you or someone you love is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, seeking prompt medical treatment is the best chance you have for effective, safe care. Many methods of treatment and care are available to help you get through the process of withdrawal and come out feeling better. Seeking help early on can ensure your safety during this most challenging time and it can ensure your proper recovery from this debilitating disease that you’ve come to know as alcoholism.