You know, some people who have been drinking heavily for a long time and then suddenly stop drinking or cut back on their drinking, have a very difficult time. This discomfort, both physical and mental, is what we are going to talk about today, or what is called `` Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome''. This can feel really bad, but if you are aware of it, it is easy to get help.
What exactly is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Simply put, this is the body's response when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol or drastically reduce your intake after a long-term alcohol addiction. This is commonly seen in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
This condition can range from mild to severe in some people. The most severe form is called `(Delirium Tremens)`. It's a bit dangerous, and we'll talk about that later.
Imagine, your body is used to alcohol. When it suddenly disappears, it's like the body panics, saying, "Oh, what's happening to me?"
How common is this condition?
This is more common than you might think. About 50% of people with alcohol use disorder (`AUD`) experience this type of difficulty when they stop or reduce their alcohol intake. Even in a country like the United States, ``AUD`` is a very common problem.
What are the symptoms of this?
These symptoms usually begin within 6 to 24 hours of your last drink. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms, from least severe to most severe:
- Headache: Not just a regular headache, but a bit more severe.
- Irritability, restlessness, or irritability: Feeling angry for no reason, feeling anxious.
- Insomnia: You can't fall asleep even when you try to sleep, and you have to toss and turn.
- Excessive sweating: More than just sweating from the heat.
- Upset stomach: You may feel like you're going to vomit or your stomach may feel like it's turning over.
- Heart palpitations: A feeling like your chest is pounding.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased pulse rate.
- Increased body temperature (Hyperthermia).
- Tremor of the hands or other body parts: This is similar to the condition that many people know as "shakes".
- Confusion: A state of not knowing what is happening or where you are.
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (`Hallucinations`): Seeing things or hearing sounds that aren't there. Imagine how terrifying that experience would be.
- Seizures.
- Delirium: This is a major symptom of the previously mentioned condition, Delirium Tremens. It is very severe.
Important: If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, especially severe ones (such as confusion, fits, seeing things that aren't there), go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately or call 911. This is not something to take lightly.
How do these symptoms appear? Do they change over time?
The severity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person, but a general timeline is as follows:
- Between 6 and 12 hours after the last drink: Minor symptoms such as headaches, mild anxiety, and insomnia begin to appear.
- Within 24 hours of last drinking: If the condition is severe, you may experience hallucinations .
- Between 24 and 72 hours after last drink: For many people, especially those with mild to moderate symptoms, symptoms peak (i.e., reach their peak) and then begin to subside. However, if you have severe or complex symptoms, you are most at risk for a fit between 24 and 48 hours after your last drink . The dreaded ``Delirium Tremens'' can occur between 48 and 72 hours after your last drink.
For some people, these symptoms (e.g., insomnia, mood swings) can last for weeks, even months. So it's best to find a solution quickly.
How long can these difficulties last?
Symptoms are usually at their worst 24 to 72 hours after the last drink. However, as mentioned earlier, some symptoms can last for weeks.
Why is this happening? What is the reason?
This is a bit of a scientific fact, but let me put it simply. This condition occurs when you drink alcohol excessively for more than two weeks and then suddenly stop or reduce the amount. (There is a definition of what constitutes heavy drinking, but it can vary slightly from person to person.)
Alcohol (`Ethanol`) is a depressant (slows down) the function of our `Central Nervous System` (CNS) – that is, the brain and spinal cord. When you continue to drink alcohol in excess, your `(CNS)` becomes accustomed to this slowing down. Therefore, the `(CNS)` has to work harder to fight the effects of alcohol in order to keep other body functions going.
Now think about what happens when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol. When the alcohol that slows you down is gone, the CNS can't adjust to it. It becomes overexcited , because there's no alcohol to control it or slow it down. That overexcitation is what causes withdrawal symptoms. It's like a spring that's been held tight and suddenly jumps up.
Who is more likely to develop this condition?
It's hard to say exactly who will get this, who won't, and if they do, how severe it will be.
Not everyone is the same. There are several other factors that affect this:
- Your body chemistry.
- your age.
- Whether you have any other physical or mental illnesses.
- Other medications you are taking.
- Whether you use other drugs with alcohol.
However, studies have found that there are several factors that increase the risk of developing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms . These include:
- Excessive daily alcohol consumption.
- Being over 65 years of age.
- Having a history of a previous `(Delirium Tremens)` or a fit caused by alcohol withdrawal.
- Having other chronic illnesses.
- Dehydration of the body.
- Electrolyte imbalances.
- Some brain disorders (`Brain lesions`).
- Abnormal liver function.
How does a doctor recognize this?
Doctors diagnose this condition (Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome) based on the following:
- Physical examination.
- Your symptoms.
- Your history of alcohol use.
- Your entire medical history.
Important: It's important to tell your doctor the truth about your alcohol use – and any other drugs you use – so he or she can give you the best treatment. Lying can make the problem worse.
Your doctor may also order blood tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your overall health. This is because alcohol use can cause other health problems. For example:
- Dehydration and salt imbalances.
- Body injuries.
- Infections.
- Liver problems.
- Heart disease.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
What is the treatment for this?
There are three main goals in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
1. Reducing withdrawal symptoms.
2. Avoiding complications such as fits.
3. Referral for long-term treatment for alcohol use disorder (`AUD`).
The treatment method depends on how severe your symptoms are and how likely they are to get worse.
Treatment for mild to moderate symptoms
In cases like this, doctors usually prescribe short-term medications to control symptoms.
- If the symptoms are not too severe and there is no risk of them getting worse, the doctor may prescribe medication such as ``Carbamazepine`` or ``Gabapentin`` to control the symptoms.
- If there are moderate symptoms, benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam) or barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) are the first choice to prevent seizures and reduce the risk of delirium tremens. These medications should be taken only under medical supervision.
If symptoms persist despite taking this medication, your doctor may:
- Medications such as beta-blockers or clonidine for persistent high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
- Reduce cravings for alcohol with `(Carbamazepine)` or `(Gabapentin)`.
Additionally, additional treatments may be given, such as giving saline (IV fluids) for dehydration, correcting salt imbalances, and giving medication for vomiting if it occurs.
Treatment for severe or complex symptoms
This is a condition that requires hospitalization, sometimes in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) . While you are in this condition, doctors will monitor you constantly to see if you develop any life-threatening complications.
Long-acting benzodiazepines - usually given intravenously (Diazepam) or (Lorazepam) - are mainly used to control severe symptoms.
In addition, other treatments may be required for related health problems.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder (`AUD`)
While treating withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may also recommend that you seek treatment for alcohol use disorder (`AUD`) . This is most important in the long run.
There are various programs available to treat AUD. Most often, these include a combination of group psychotherapy and medication . Your doctor can provide you with information about these programs.
What happens after this situation? Will it get better?
What happens next (prognosis) depends largely on how severe the symptoms are.
- Most people with mild to moderate symptoms will not need to be hospitalized.
- However, if you have severe or complex symptoms, you may need to stay in the hospital for a long time, perhaps even in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Don't forget: Delirium Tremens is a life-threatening condition. Between 5% and 10% of people who develop this complication die. So don't take it lightly.
Can't this be prevented?
The main ways to prevent this situation are:
1. Complete abstinence from alcohol use.
2. If you think you may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder (`AUD`), seek professional help as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the better.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a serious and potentially dangerous complication of alcohol use disorder. Even if you have mild symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. It is difficult to predict how severe these symptoms will be at first.
If you have an alcohol use disorder and need help recovering from it, a doctor can refer you to resources and rehabilitation programs that can help you. Remember, your doctor is there to help you, not to judge you.
So, what is the most important thing we need to remember from this story?
Simply put, if you or someone you know has been drinking alcohol for a long time and suddenly starts experiencing strange symptoms (anything from headaches to fits) when you try to stop, it could be ``Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome''. It's nothing to be ashamed of or hide.
Seek immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital immediately, especially if your symptoms are severe (such as confusion, fits, seeing things that aren't there). With proper treatment, this condition can be controlled. It's also wise to get help to overcome your alcohol addiction. You're not alone, and there are many people who can help.
` alcohol withdrawal, alcohol cessation, alcohol cessation, withdrawal symptoms, delirium tremens, alcohol addiction, alcohol use disorder
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න