Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of Quitting Drinking Alcohol

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If a person quits drinking alcohol, he will possibly experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Regardless of the duration he is abusing alcohol, those abusive behaviors still have physical and psychological, as well as emotional impacts, to his system. Despite the amount of the addictive substance he is abusing in the past, he still needs to learn the steps on how to deal with these symptoms in order to have a smooth quitting alcohol journey. One must realize completely the consequences, the difficulty, the health risks and the side effects involved in fighting a strong addiction. The effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate to mild symptoms to very dangerous ones which have a possibility of becoming fatal symptoms. But, if a person has the right knowledge and information, he will have the correct instrument to use in dealing with this kind of problem.

Understanding the real definition of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can help in the improvement of one’s own condition. Familiarizing with the facts can widen his options and can help him in choosing which treatments or programs can help him overcome the addiction. Because every individual has a unique and a different condition, it is recommended to conduct a personalized study and implement an individualized and particular alcohol addiction treatment for each person.

What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the reactions of the body to the absence of the “satisfying effects” of what it thinks is important in doing its normal tasks – which is in this case, alcohol. In other words, severe symptoms are the effects of the excessive and long term use of alcohol. To put it in other terms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are effects of the effects of alcohol addiction.

1. These are “after-sales products”, bonus as you may call it, of hard drinks and beer companies which they included, without your knowledge, when you bought their products.

2. There are many forms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These “warning signs” can be short term and long term symptoms, which can be associated with serious health issues or mild to moderate signs. It can also be physical, psychological or both, in nature.

3. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are portable barriers in a race. An individual who wants to win the race should do his best and jump over these barriers. Failure to do so will result to additional damages.”

4. Many people can’t quit drinking alcohol due to these barriers. They suffer severe symptoms that they give up quitting and just drink again to feel better. That is why it is best to seek for professional help first.

Who can experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

All people who drinks alcohol and suddenly practice abstinence will and can experience symptoms. Many have asked: If I am drinking moderately for many years, will I still experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms? We are told that light to moderate drinkers also have the tendency to experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are only mild by which these after-effects don’t create big impacts on their system. They can tolerate these signs and can go on without even having to undergo medical treatments.

On the other hand, people who are abusing alcohol for a very long period of time are subject for severe and serious symptoms. They are required to be under medical supervision and / or rehabilitation and detoxification programs to stop or at least reduce the pain and sufferings. The more a person abuses alcohol, the more withdrawal symptoms are expected to manifest. Due to the slow, addictive factor of alcohol, many people are unable to see the problems beforehand.

Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

While this all depends on the severity of the addiction and the intensity of the condition a person has, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur as early as twelve hours after the last drink.

The level of seriousness of the symptoms usually depends on the duration an individual has consuming alcohol and the quantity he usually consumes on a regular basis. How he quits can also become a factor. For example, if a person quits cold turkey, he is likely to encounter the “quick response team”.

The question is that do we need to gradually quit drinking to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms? Due to the uniqueness of every condition and situation, the answer may differ. It is very important to identify which approach is appropriate by seeking medical advice.  

What are the common alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Here are some common symptoms that may occur when you quit drinking alcohol.

agitation

anxiety and panic attacks

confusion

delirium tremens

depression

diarrhea

stomach pains

hallucinations

headache

difficulty sleeping

irritability

nausea

vomiting

palpitations

restlessness

sweating

seizures and death

tremors

fatigue

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

It is difficult to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If alcohol has become your long time partner and you have decided quitting alcohol now, you may need to visit a medical doctor first. This is to know the real score Ignoring alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause serious health problems in your quitting journey.  . Mild symptoms can escalate rapidly and can become severe or full-blown symptoms if not treated properly. You may suffer more rather than enjoying a smooth quitting process.

Good luck!