Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms


Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the amount of alcohol you are used to consuming. These symptoms occur when someone who has been drinking regularly, at a high rate, for a very long time, suddenly quit. The symptoms can be physical as well as psychological and are often the reason alcoholics are unable to "dry out." It is easier to start drinking again, rather than face the tortures of the withdrawal symptoms.

The psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be moderate to severe. A person can feel like they have the shakes and be unable to hold things steady, and may be tempted to get a drink to steady them. They may seem jumpy or nervous and feel anxious after a couple of days without alcohol. Other symptoms can include their being extremely irritable, be very tired and have trouble thinking clearly. Depression is also a prime symptom and shouldn't be taken lightly. Family and friends should be very supportive of a person's attempts to quit drinking. Bad dreams and hallucinations are also quite common alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from moderate to severe symptoms. Some moderate symptoms may include headaches and sweating on the palms and face. Nausea and vomiting can lead to a loss of appetite after a person has quit drinking. A rapid heart rate, dilated pupils and convulsions are also common physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms can be unbearable for the person and may lead them to want to take a drink to feel better. Again, family and friends need to be very supportive and encouraging to a person who is trying to recover from alcoholism.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very hard to bear for a person who is trying to quit drinking. It is very important for them to have the support of family and friends at this time; and it can be very hard for those close to them to watch them suffer as they go through the drying out period. They just have to believe and remember that it will get better. The withdrawal symptoms have both physical and psychological effects ranging from mild to severe symptoms. The more that a person had drank the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be, and they are not to be taken likely.



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Random Facts about Alcohol

Nearly 25% of all persons admitted to general hospitals are (undiagnosed and diagnosed) alcoholics being treated for the consequences of their drinking.

NIAAA, Eighth Special Report, op. cit., p. xi


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