Excessive use of alcohol has many health-related side effects which can be fatal. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration reports that in 2008, 17.3 million Americans age 12 and older reported heavy drinking in a national survey. Alcoholics continue to drink in order to ward off the unpleasant alcohol detox withdrawal effects.
Psychological Symptoms
MedlinePlus states that withdrawal symptoms can occur within five to 10 hours after the last drink. Symptoms usually begin with a feeling of restlessness and irritability. Patients pace the floor and cannot sit still. Feelings of anxiety and fear can be overwhelming as withdrawal progresses. There is an overpowering need to have a drink. Patients experience a decreased attention span and cannot concentrate. Rapid emotional changes such as euphoria and depression are often exhibited. An alcoholic withdrawing cannot think clearly, may have nightmares or suffer insomnia.
Physiological Symptoms
Along with psychological symptoms there are physiological symptoms that occur in withdrawal. MedlinePlus notes that withdrawal symptoms can include a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and diaphoresis or clammy skin. Rapid heart rate, headache and dilated pupils are part of the withdrawal complex. Fever and chest pain are not uncommon withdrawal symptoms. Tremors in the hands are a stereotypical symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens, DTs, are severe withdrawal symptoms that involve significant mental and physiological changes according to MedlinePlus. Delirium tremens are more likely to occur in people who have habitually abused alcohol for more than 10 years, have a history of previous alcohol withdrawal or those who drink 4 to 5 pints of wine or 7 to 8 pints of beer a day, according to MedlinePlus. DTs usually occur within 72 hours after the last drink but can occur as late as 7 to 10 days out. Progressive worsening of symptoms in DTs is common. Restlessness and increasing agitation is followed by confusion and mood changes. Seizure activity is common. Delirium results in audio and visual hallucinations and there is a real danger of self-inflicted harm because of the delirium. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency and requires hospitalization. These patients require intravenous fluids, tranquilizers and anticonvulsant medications until they are past the withdrawal symptoms.
