Problem drinkers or alcoholics who quit drinking will likely experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms to some degree. The symptoms need to be dealt with as a first step in abstaining from alcohol for life. Symptoms can be mild to moderate and might require outpatient treatment from a health care professional. In some people, the symptoms are so severe they need to be treated in a hospital or alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Beginning
Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body has become accustomed to receiving regular doses of substances, such as alcohol or other drugs. The body starts to crave more of the substance when it is abruptly withdrawn. Detoxification is the time it takes the body to overcome its addiction to alcohol. It is an uncomfortable to serious process that only begins the rehabilitation.
Treatment
This initial process in the recovery stage includes medical treatment as well as counseling to help overcome the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. The patient who has a desire to quit drinking needs to know what the body will be going through and have the support of medical professionals to get through the detoxification stage.
Symptoms
The person’s symptoms need to be monitored at all times because in severe cases withdrawal can be fatal. Symptoms are different for everyone and depend on the severity of the alcoholism. The symptoms can include sweats, nausea, tremors, vomiting and anxiety, which often occurs in alcoholics who are aware of what they will be facing. Convulsions and seizures can occur in serious cases.
Medication
Some treatments include medications, which greatly relieve withdrawal symptoms. These can include tranquilizers and other drugs that relax patients and help them sleep. Some programs include vitamin therapy and proper nutrition to accompany the detoxification.
Safe
Some doctors do not include medication in the treatment of patients with mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They believe it is safer to steer the person away from becoming dependent on another substance. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic report that people experiencing adverse effects of alcohol may only need counseling and planning to reduce alcohol-related problems.
Even with patients undergoing medication treatment, the drugs are decreased in doses over time to gradually get them out of the body’s system. Medication that is given only when symptoms become apparent have been shown to require a shorter duration for treatment, according to a study at East Tennessee State University and published in American Family Physician in 2004.
Support
The best thing a friend or loved one can do for an alcoholic who quits drinking is to help the person get medical assistance, no matter how mild or serious the withdrawal symptoms. The average time for the detox program can be from three to seven days. Support is a major player during this time, along with professional medical treatment, in order for the alcoholic to begin a new life.
