Withdrawal Symptoms from Alcohol
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol are characterized by trembling, anxiety, insomnia. In the worst cases, Delirium Tremens remains a possibility.
Alcohol withdrawal Symptoms are defined as a group of symptoms or the changes; human body goes through when a person suddenly stops drinking alcohol after prolonged, heavy consumption of alcohol. These symptoms are characterized with insomnia, anxiety, trembling or shaking and many other physical and mental symptoms.
There is no standard or particular prediction regarding individual’s response to the process of quitting this dangerous addiction to alcohol. The symptoms may vary from person to person depending upon their mood and magnitude of addiction. If a person is habitual of ingesting alcohol in a heavy proportion then he may face alcohol withdrawal symptoms after going ‘cold turkey’. If a person is exposed to consumption of alcohol for a longer time then he is also susceptible for such symptoms. So it is always advisable to consult a medical practitioner before quitting this habit.
Mechanism behind symptoms
The magnitude and intensity of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms depends on the dependency of that particular drinker on alcohol. Alcohol acts as hypnotic sedative or suppressant. It has a gradual slow effect on brain and central nervous system. A person who is continuously exposed to ingestion of alcohol for a prolonged time, his brain gets exposed continuously to the sedative effects of alcohol. So during this prolonged exposure, the brain gets adjusted by producing more secretion of stimulants like serotonin and nor epinephrine. These stimulants functions in a similar way to adrenaline. Once this person decides to quit this habit; increased secretion of such stimulants gives rise to withdrawal symptoms. Because of the over stimulation of brain and nervous systems people find it difficult to quit this habit.
Symptoms
Due to the continuous prolonged exposure to alcohol addiction, brain needs time to get adjusted back. Generally all these symptoms have a predictable pattern although they vary in magnitude from person to person.
1. Trembling – it is also known as shaking. Trembling starts occurring after 5 to 6 hours once, alcohol ingestion is stopped. It usually gets aggravated after 24 hours. This phase is characterized by nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, and increase in blood pressure, breathing, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.
2. Alcohol Hallucinosis – these symptoms starts emerging within 12 to 24 hours and may last for another 2 days. It is characterized by vision of multiple small moving objects, crawling insects. It can be a very imaginative vision phase for sufferer. The illusion remains its characteristic feature.
3. Withdrawal Seizures – normally occurs after 48 hours of quitting the ingestion. If occurs within 24 hours, immediate medical attention is required as it can be fatal.
4. Delirium Tremens – commonly known as Dts, this symptom has very serious risk involved. Generally begins after 2 to 3 days and may continue for more tan a week. It intensifies on 4th or 5th day after the last drink. This phase is characterized by dangerous shifts in breathing, blood circulation, and control of body temperature. Blood pressure can shoot up in an alarming fashion within a short span of time and there is a chance that cerebral blood supply can be obstructed temporary. It can also cause dangerous dehydration. The symptom also includes confusion, irrational behavior, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
There is good news for heavy drinkers who want to quit alcohol. All of these symptoms can be discarded or nullified with proper medication and some assistance of psychotherapy. The person who is suffering from mild effects of withdrawal symptoms can be treated with short doses of thiamin and a proper introduction of diet. Severely affected patients have to be monitored closely for their symptoms and relative treatments by expert physicians. Sometimes Valium may be used as substitute for alcohol to gradually lessen the effects of withdrawal.
There is a rare possibility of Delirium Tremens. Study shows 5% of the patients suffer from this symptom. These patients require a close monitoring in intensive care unit of hospital which specializes in detoxification. Testing and medication of other disorders related to alcohol addiction are attended by physicians. Use of tranquilizers can play an important role in sedation process. The treatment also includes rehabitation programs with support groups, behavioral therapy.
After all your strong desire, and expert medical treatment can help you to over come disturbing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Published by Rehabhelponline.com
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that follows a reduction in alcohol consumption or when an alcohol dependent individual stops drinking abruptly..
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Alcoholism and consumption of alcohol has been one of the most traditional forms of intoxication and recreation for the human race. Alcohol consumption dates.
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Over time, alcohol abuse leads to a condition where alcoholics have to take in alcohol just to be “normal.” If at any time they stop drinking alcohol, or even try to reduce they suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Information about alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, headaches, DT’s, etc. .
| By Jayashree Pakhare Published: 2/23/2007 |
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Tags: addiction, alcoholism.withdrawal, cold turkey, delirium tremens, detoxification, DT's, hallucinations, hallucinosis, psychotherapy, siezures, symptoms, treatment.medication, trembling
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