Withdrawal Symptoms: How come that the majority of so called “social drinkers” or “alcohol consumers” who drink moderately are able to stop drinking immediately with hardly any will power and without suffering from any of the side effects. Whereas heavy drinkers and alcoholics are guaranteed alcohol withdrawal symptoms, be it mild or severe. The symptoms suffered as a whole caused by the cessation of alcohol intake are known collectively as “alcohol withdrawal syndrome”.

Some of the most common symptoms that accompany alcohol withdrawal are headaches, stomach aches and upsets, nausea and vomiting. Most alcohol dependent people also suffer from psychological symptoms like anxiety, nervousness, jitters and mood swings. Increase in body temperature, heart rate and the rate of breathing are also common symptoms.

The list of other withdrawal symptoms is unending which are caused by sudden alcohol withdrawal and can be treated with prescribed medication. They are lack of sleep, insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, sweaty or clammy palms and skin, uncontrollable eyelid movements and dilation in the size of the pupils.

Serious Symptions: However there are a number of serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms too. Thankfully, most people who kick alcohol do not suffer from them, but a minor percentage does experience seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens, which is characterized by a state of anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. These can get very severe if not treated by a doctor on time.

In fact, it is important for even those people who suffer from mild or moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms to consult a medical practitioner regarding these symptoms. This is because most people who experience withdrawal symptoms, turn back to alcohol, only to try giving it up again later on. However, with every attempt at quitting, withdrawal symptoms are known to increase in intensity, therefore it is advised that you get treated for your symptoms the first time round only so that you can also quit at the first attempt itself.

It is important that you consult a doctor before total alcohol withdrawal, especially if you suffer from other health problems like heart diseases, infections, seizures or lung problems. This is also very important in a situation where a person plans to give up other addictive substances like drugs or tobacco along with abstaining from alcohol consumption because the withdrawal symptoms in such cases are bound to be more severe and peculiar.

Professional Assistance: A doctor will not only assist in easing the alcohol withdrawal symptoms but will also be able to treat any other health condition that exists in your body. The majority of medics that deal with alcohol detoxification are also trained in giving emotional assistance and psychological counseling, crucial for patients at this stage.

Therefore, it is important that you consult a medical practitioner, especially an expert when it comes to getting treated for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. You can easily get information about local doctors who work with alcohol detoxification cases by calling up your local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter or through the yellow pages. Once the alcohol withdrawal symptoms cease, it is imperative that you also join a self help organization like the Alcoholics Anonymous in order to prevent yourself from turning back to alcoholism.

Discover more about this tried and tested support to help Give Up Drinking by Ed Philips and Quit Alcohol Now

Tags:

Filed under: Health

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!