Alcohol Withdrawal StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf

In addition to the side effects, be aware that patients can become dependent on benzodiazepines. If you take them at high enough doses for a long period of time, you might experience withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly discontinued. Talk to your doctor or a drug treatment specialist about what to expect as you experience alcohol withdrawal. Identify a family member or friend who you can call on to provide emotional support. Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen for heavier drinkers.

• As the loved one of someone struggling, remember that it’s ultimately up to them to manage the condition.
• By comparison, 22% of patients with opioid problems and over half of patients with depression take prescription drugs.
• Consider creating a visiting schedule so that you are never alone during the first week of detox.
• In most cases, mild symptoms may start to develop within hours after the last drink, and if left untreated, can progress and become more severe.
• On average, an alcoholic who doesn’t stop drinking can expect to decrease his or her life expectancy by at least 15 years.
• You will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.

A doctor may also need to administer fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration and correct electrolyte abnormalities. They may also need to give medications to help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms. People experiencing mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms often receive outpatient care—meaning there is no extended time spent in a hospital or facility. It’s recommended, however, that they have someone stay with them who can help during recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with AUD, make an appointment with a primary care provider such as a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Withdrawal

This type of herb may help restore liver health from damage caused by heavy drinking. The herb acts as a protectant for the liver, which is an important organ used for bile production, vitamin storage, and other functions. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons—in particular, costs and insurance coverage—of the type of treatment with your https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/cure-for-alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms/ family members and primary care physician. Alcohol has a slowing effect (also called a sedating effect or depressant effect) on the brain. In a heavy, long-term drinker, the brain is almost continually exposed to the depressant effect of alcohol. Over time, the brain adjusts its own chemistry to compensate for the effect of the alcohol.

In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Symptoms of AWS are often treated with sedatives called benzodiazepines. The most prescribed benzodiazepine is chlordiazepoxide, which is only available as a generic in the United States.

Outlook for alcohol withdrawal syndrome

The most effective way to prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome is to avoid drinking or drinking only in moderation. Alcohol use disorder can lead to various physical and mental health conditions. The exact timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person. It’s based on several factors, including how long, how much, and how regularly you have been drinking alcohol. There are several mild to moderate psychological and physical symptoms you might experience when you stop drinking. This article discusses the causes, common symptoms, and different stages of alcohol withdrawal.

Many of the effects of drinking every day can be reversed through early intervention. While cirrhosis scars from excessive drinking are irreversible, quitting alcohol and leading a healthier lifestyle can help your liver heal from alcohol-related liver disease. This thought process can be a useful mental tool when the physical pain of withdrawal is most severe.

Learn more about Alcohol Withdrawal

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. The severity of alcohol withdrawal is categorized into three stages. Not all people progress through all of the stages of alcohol withdrawal. A small percentage of those undergoing withdrawal may experience delirium tremens (DTs).

They’ll want to know if you’ve ever gone through withdrawal before. Alcohol detox isn’t easy and not everyone can do it on their own. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals. It’s much better to focus on something that you enjoy than to focus on the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor may be able to connect you with shelter programs for people recovering from alcohol addiction. A relative or friend must stay with you to monitor your condition. Their job is to make sure that if you develop any worsening of symptoms, they get you to a hospital or call 911 immediately.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Sep 2023) and others. If the alcohol is withdrawn suddenly, the brain is like an accelerated vehicle that has lost its brakes. Not surprisingly, most symptoms of withdrawal are symptoms that occur when the brain is overstimulated.

Treatment / Management

This is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent brain damage. The CDC defines it as more than 15 drinks per week for people assigned male at birth and more than 8 drinks per week for people assigned female at birth. With long-term heavy alcohol intake, your brain adapts to the effects of booze over time. If you have severe vomiting, seizures or delirium tremens, the safest place for you to be treated is in a hospital.

There are effective ways to treat this disease and steps you can take to help a loved one enter recovery. This article discusses alcohol use disorder symptoms and strategies for treatment and intervention. Vitamins are an excellent resource that can help you throughout the withdrawal process. Since common withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, vitamins can help supplement the nutrients you’ve lost. If you receive acupuncture, needles are inserted at specific and strategic points on your body. This helps restore balance to your dopamine levels, which may also curb your desire to drink alcohol.

When to Seek Medical Help

Long-term alcohol abuse is commonly caused by an underlying condition or physical pain in which alcohol was used to self-medicate those issues. Often, people will be tempted to turn back to alcohol to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. People who drink heavily are at greater risk for serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Males who have 15 or more drinks per week and females who have 8 or more drinks per week are considered heavy drinkers. During alcohol detox, medication can ease your discomfort and prevent symptoms from worsening. Seizures can occur within 6 to 48 hours, while hallucinations can occur within 12 to 48 hours after drinking is reduced or stopped, says Dr. Nolan.