Author: Alex Thompson

10 Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms to Know When You Stop Drinking

There is a large degree of variability in alcohol metabolism as a result of both genetic and environmental factors. The first symptoms—and maybe the only symptoms—you experience may resemble a bad hangover. She adds that withdrawal can also occur after a significant reduction in alcohol consumption.

Social Support and Treatment Programs

People who have an addiction to alcohol or who drink heavily on a regular basis and are not able to gradually cut down are at high risk of AWS. When you drink, the alcohol suppresses certain neurotransmitters in your brain. Behavioral health treatment for alcohol problems is often (but not always) covered by insurance.

Medications to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you seek medical attention, the doctor will examine you and ask questions about your history of drinking. They may also take your blood for testing to see the level of alcohol in your system. Based on your symptoms, drinking history, and test results, they can make a diagnosis. If you receive a definitive diagnosis, the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment, including medications that can help ease your symptoms. Heart palpitations can range from mild to severe, but they are always unpleasant.

As you continue to consume heavy amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, your central nervous system begins to become dependent on alcohol. In response to the depressive effect of alcohol, your body actually works harder to keep your brain and nerves active and awake during the course of daily life. When someone drinks alcohol for a prolonged period of time and then stops, the body reacts to its absence. This is alcohol withdrawal, and it causes uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms.

Can You Have Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal at Home?

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. If you’re otherwise healthy and can stop drinking and get treatment, the outlook is usually good. However, sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue may continue for months.

Support groups for alcohol withdrawal

Most people with mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal don’t need treatment in a hospital. But severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal can result in lengthy hospital stays and even time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Alcohol withdrawal (alcohol withdrawal syndrome) is a range of symptoms that can happen if you stop or significantly reduce alcohol intake after long-term use. The best way to prevent AWD is to drink moderately or not at all.

Diagnosis and Tests

Withdrawal can be broken down into four stages with distinct symptoms. If you don’t already have a supportive network, you can make new connections by joining social media communities dedicated to alcohol-free living. We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Mild symptoms may appear similar to a hangover, but they last longer than 24 hours.

  1. You may be given fluids intravenously so that you stay hydrated during this time.
  2. Many involve a combination of group psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
  3. Afib causes symptoms including lack of energy, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain, and if left untreated can lead to serious complications.
  4. When you stop consuming alcohol after prolonged, heavy use, your CNS can’t respond or regulate itself fast enough.
  5. Outpatient treatment also includes counseling to help you get the support you need to stay sober.

A doctor may also prescribe a sedative drug, such as a benzodiazepine, to help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or agitation. Benzodiazepines like Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and Ativan (lorazepam) may also help to prevent minor withdrawal symptoms from becoming more severe. Other drugs a healthcare provider might prescribe include anxiolytics , vitamins, and suboxone. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be greatly reduced or even eliminated with proper medical care. There are specific treatments available for anyone who wants to stop drinking—even after long-term, chronic alcohol use. Alcohol withdrawal causes a range of symptoms when a person with alcohol use disorder stops or significantly decreases their alcohol intake.

A counselor can help someone prepare for life after withdrawal and provide support as they navigate quitting drinking. If left untreated, withdrawal can progress to complicated alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms generally appear 12 to 24 hours after your last drink. While these symptoms are more severe than Stage 1, they are not life-threatening.