The National Health Service (NHS) guidelines advise women not to drink more than one drink every day (7 per week), while the limit for men is two drinks each day—14 per week. Consuming more than this amount of alcohol increases a person’s chance of liver disease, heart disease, and other problems. Even consuming within recommended limits or at lower levels may raise a person’s oral and liver cancer risk and enhance their chances of physiological dependence.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Depending on a person’s drinking habits, their body may react differently when they quit. Some people may experience severe and debilitating symptoms, while others may only have mild discomfort.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome – An Overview:

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a set of symptoms that may occur when someone who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops or significantly cuts down their alcohol usage. AWS can stretch from mild to severe, and its symptoms can vary depending on the individual.

Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome:

Alcohol leaves a depressive effect on the body. It slows down brain function and alters the way nerves communicate back and forth. After an extended period of regular drinking, your brain becomes used to that feeling. Your body works hard to keep your brain in a more alert condition and to allow your nerves to interact with one another.

When the alcohol level drops suddenly, your brain remains in this activated state. That’s what causes the symptoms of withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is manageable, and treatments are available to help you through it. If you or someone you know is plodding with AWS, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can go through ukhomedetox.co.uk to get in touch with a professional who can assist you.

When Do Symptoms Start Showing?

If you’ve been drinking frequently and abruptly stop, you may experience one or more alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms might be uncomfortable or even life-threatening, ranging from mild to severe—depending on your previous alcohol consumption.

Although most alcoholic beverages begin to produce alcohol withdrawal symptoms within eight hours after your last drink, you may not notice any until days later. These adverse effects tend to rise between 24 and 72 hours after your final drink. However, milder ones might continue for much longer in some individuals.

Shaky hands, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and inconsistent sleeping patterns are all common withdrawal symptoms. You may also sweat excessively, have a headache, feel nauseous and vomit, or experience diarrhea.

The Stages of Severity:

There are three different stages of severity when it comes to alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild Withdrawal:

Most people who experience AWS will only suffer from mild symptoms. These usually subside after a few days and can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medication. Symptoms like anxiety, headache, and insomnia are all common in this stage. You can also practice some self-care measures like drinking lots of fluids and eating healthy foods.

Moderate Withdrawal:

A small number of people will experience moderate symptoms, which are more intense than mild ones but not life-threatening. These might include hallucinations, fever, and increased heart rate. Moderate to severe AWS requires professional detoxification and medical supervision.

Detoxing at home is not recommended for anyone who has been drinking heavily for an extended period or who has a history of relapse.

Severe Withdrawal:

AWS can lead to more severe symptoms in sporadic cases, including auditory or visual hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs).

DTs is a medical emergency that can occur in some individuals who suddenly stop drinking alcohol after frequent and excessive use. It’s characterized by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, confusion, and agitation. If you or someone you know experiences DTs, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.

Fact Check: According to the research and surveys, about 3% to 5% of people who quit drinking suffer from delirium tremens. If left untreated, this illness has the potential to be fatal.

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

The duration of withdrawal symptoms varies from individual to individual. It hinges on how much and how often you’ve been drinking, age, weight, general health, and family history.

Symptoms can last for weeks or, in some cases, even months. The severity of your symptoms will also determine how long they last. For example, if you experience DTs, you’ll need to be hospitalized and monitored until the symptoms subside.

In most cases, however, symptoms peak within the first few days and then gradually improve over time. With proper medical care and treatment, most people make a full recovery within a few weeks.

What Are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

If you’re struggling with AWS, several treatment options are available to you.

One of the most strategic and worthwhile things you can do is seek medical help. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. They may also recommend that you detox under medical supervision to ensure your safety and comfort.

Detoxification:

The process of detoxification is the first step in treating AWS. This involves clearing your body of alcohol and managing your withdrawal symptoms. Detox can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on your needs.

Inpatient detox is usually recommended for people who have a history of AWS or struggle with severe symptoms. This type of detox is conducted in a hospital or treatment facility where medical staff will closely monitor you.

Outpatient detox is typically recommended for people with mild to moderate symptoms. This allows you to detox at home with the support of a professional team.

Medications:

Some medicines can be used to treat AWS. These include benzodiazepines, anti-seizure drugs, and antipsychotics.

Benzodiazepines are the widely used medication for AWS. They work by reducing the severity of your symptoms and helping you to feel calm and relaxed.

Anti-seizure medications are typically used to treat people who have a history of seizures. They can help prevent seizures during withdrawal and make them less likely to occur.

Antipsychotics are sometimes used to treat people who experience hallucinations during AWS. They can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and make them less likely to occur.

In some cases, you may also be treated with intravenous fluids and electrolytes to help prevent dehydration.

Therapy:

Therapy can be an essential part of treatment for AWS. It can help you understand your drinking habits and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It can also provide you with support and guidance during recovery.

Several different types of therapy can be used to treat AWS. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual counseling.

Some other non-invasive treatments can also help, such as acupuncture and massage. These alternative treatments can help to ease some of the symptoms of AWS, including anxiety and muscle tension.

Ending Note:

It’s important to remember that AWS is a medical condition that requires treatment. If you or someone you love is fighting a battle against alcohol withdrawal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There is a world full of people waiting to help you on your journey to recovery.