What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

People with a long history of alcohol abuse often experience withdrawal symptoms when they make the life changing decision to kick the bottle. Battling these symptoms is the hardest step of the recovery phase and while some people may only experience mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms for others they may be more severe.

The most common types of psychological symptoms experienced in the withdrawal phase include: fatigue, depression, anxiety, nervousness, being unsure, rapid emotional fluctuations while the ore severe symptoms may include delirium, agitation, serious bouts of confusion and even hallucinations. Most people will also experience the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal; these may include nausea, severe headaches, vomiting, dilated pupils, involuntary movement, tremors, palpitation, and insomnia while the more severe physical symptoms may also include convulsions and fever.

Unfortunately; these withdrawal symptoms often prove to be the bane of a person’s decisions to quit alcohol. Many people go right back to the bottle in the hopes of warding off these symptoms Unfortunately, before they know it; the routine turns into a vicious cycle where a person decides to quit alcohol; abstains for a few days and the moment the withdrawal symptoms creeps in, he/she goes right back to drinking. There is no set length of time for experiencing withdrawal symptoms and its person specific. While for some people the symptoms only last for a few days but others may have to go through them for weeks or even months.

Fortunately; there are several medications that doctors can prescribe to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms; some of the most common drugs used for the purpose include: atenolol, propranolol, benzodiaxepines, carbamazepine and diazepam. It is essential to take stock of the situation and seek medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms. Taking them lightly will increase your chances of going back to your old habits so ensure that even if your symptoms are mild or moderate , you take seek medical attention to improve your chances of recovery from alcohol addiction. Remember the first step towards recovery is acknowledging that you have a problem and choosing to seek treatment.

One Response to “What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?”

1. Phebe Azer says:

   June 19, 2011 at 10:48 pm

   It’s onerous to seek out knowledgeable people on this matter, but you sound like you know what you’re speaking about! Thanks