Side Effects Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Located near the historical Boston metropolitan area in Massachusetts, our mission is to help individuals seeking treatment from substance abuse from all over the country. Evidence-based treatment programs will help you or your loved one navigate recovery from alcohol addiction. Treatments in a clinical setting may include medically monitored detox as well as IV hydration, electrolyte supplementation, and more. Alcohol withdrawal itching is an uncommon side effect that occurs two to three days after the last drink.

• You will probably be tested for other medical problems that are related to your alcohol use, and will likely receive counseling regarding your alcohol use.
• The mechanism behind kindling is sensitization of some neuronal systems and desensitization of other neuronal systems which leads to increasingly gross neurochemical imbalances.
• Without detox and therapeutic support, it’s almost impossible for an individual to recover from alcohol addiction fully.
• Outpatient rehab allows patients to attend to their daily responsibilities while in recovery.
• Multivitamins and thiamine should be provided during treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
• Your doctor may also use the IV to give you medications to help you get through the symptoms of withdrawal or to treat seizures or other complications.

The withdrawal process is typically followed using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale (CIWA-Ar). The test is completely confidential and anonymous; your results are not recorded, are available only to you, and you are not asked for any personally identifying information. It can also help if you’ve recently stopped drinking and aren’t sure how serious your withdrawal symptoms are. One of the most severe consequences of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or “the DTs.”

Stage Two (Moderate Symptoms)

Symptoms can include a craving for alcohol, inability to feel pleasure from normally pleasurable things , clouding of sensorium, disorientation, nausea and vomiting or headache. Side effects of alcohol withdrawal may range from mild to severe, depending on factors such as duration of alcohol abuse, genetics, environment, and frequency of heavy drinking. Unlike the physical symptoms of detox, the mental symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may last for much longer – from several weeks up to several months. Anxiety is also a very common symptom of long-term alcohol abuse. Anxiety-related disorders may be treated with medicine, and we have licensed and experienced psychiatrists to help you through the mental and psychological challenges. In most cases, the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are fairly consistent for most patients. Most individuals will experience things like headaches, nausea, and stomach cramping.

You can get a good idea of your risk level, however, by taking a quick quiz about your symptoms. If you decide to get treatment, your doctor can recommend the type of care that you need.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

This results in feelings of relaxation, sedation, anti-anxiety, and euphoria. While these factors can affect the symptoms a person experiences during detox, there is a predictable pattern and timeline for detox symptoms. DTs can affect breathing, cause dangerously high blood pressure, increase heart rate, and interfere with the ability to regulate body alcohol detox side effects temperature. In a symptom-triggered regimen, medication is given only when the CIWA-Ar score is higher than 8 points. Abnormalities in fluid levels, electrolyte levels, or nutrition should be corrected. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in patients with severe withdrawal because of excessive fluid loss through hyperthermia, sweating, and vomiting.

When someone recognizes that they have a problem with alcohol, their next step should be to safely detox. Detox is best done under the care of trained health care professionals. This is because individuals may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.

Questions About Treatment?

She is passionate about helping people who are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction and hopes her writing for Alcohol Rehab Guide can help. After the alcohol withdrawal stage, you will transition into other treatment therapies, activities and programs. These will provide you with the tools and resources to prevent triggers, continue on-going recovery and live a well-balanced life after rehab. If you go to the hospital for another reason, tell the providers if you’ve been drinking heavily so they can monitor you for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Many agents other than benzodiazepines have been used for managing AW. For example, other cross-tolerant medications, such as barbiturates, would be expected to relieve withdrawal symptoms and prevent withdrawal seizures and DT’s. In fact, a few studies have demonstrated that long-acting barbiturates can ease withdrawal symptoms.