alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline

Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome



If we drink regularly or excessively, our body gets used to alcohol. But if we stop drinking, we can experience the withdrawal syndrome. But is this something serious? Should we worry if it happens to us or a loved one? Here you can see how two of our patients went through the withdrawal syndrome before seeking help to stop drinking. Now they lead full and rewarding lives after following Triora's successful treatment against alcohol addiction.

My experience with withdrawal syndrome

"I used to get up very late, and I only expected it to be four o'clock, that was the time to have my first drink of the day." Apart from this, there was very little activity in my life. because in my kitchen I had organized several hiding places where I could always find some alcohol or hide a drink, and I always invented dishes that took a long time to stay in the kitchen until I relaxed a little. the same format, the truth was that when I drank I could become very aggressive, I did terrible things. " - Toos

Typical symptoms of withdrawal syndrome
Toos suffered from many of the following typical symptoms of withdrawal syndrome:

Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Tremor
Tiredness and altered sleep
Restlessness
Irritability that can lead to aggression.
Lack of appetite
Sweats
Depression

"I had a brutal hangover, and these became terribly intense, sometimes you even think you're dying, I was so drunk many times that I would wake up suddenly because I forgot to breathe." He was almost on the verge of an ethyl coma. intoxicated, so deeply affected by the influence of alcohol, that my nervous system stopped working, I was afraid to sleep ... it was a horrible day, I suffered tremors and sweats ". - Ben

Severe symptoms of abstinence
Ben suffered severe withdrawal symptoms that can be deadly. Fortunately, Ben entered a clinic to detoxify himself and sought help to recover from his alcohol addiction. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms, even if they seem light at first, because they can quickly get worse:

Rapid pulsations
Seizures
Hallucinations
Fever
Liver failure
Do I need to stop drinking?
Do you need - or a relative of yours - to drink to stop shaking in the morning? Drinking to relieve withdrawal symptoms such as tremors - or any of the symptoms listed above - is an important warning of alcoholism.

Take our alcohol test to have more information on how to recognize alcoholism and know if you need to reduce, detox or stop drinking altogether.


Alcoholism And Abstinence Syndrome
Care Notes
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GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is alcohol dependence and withdrawal syndrome?
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic problem (of long evolution) and serious with the way of drinking. Alcohol dependence occurs when you consume a lot of alcohol and frequently do so for long periods. Alcohol is made from a chemical called ethanol, which can come from grains or fruits, like grapes. This is found in beer, in wine, liquor such as vodka or whiskey, or in other adult beverages. It has a depressive effect which decreases brain activity. In alcohol dependence you will have anxiety for the consumption of alcoholic beverages, making it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities. Alcohol dependence can cause problems to think clearly, to concentrate and to control their actions. This occurs most frequently between 20 and 35 years of age.
Withdrawal syndrome occurs when you stop drinking or drink less while you are dependent on alcohol. Symptoms occur while your body tries to get used to that change. Withdrawal syndrome can become dangerous and life threatening. Diagnosing and treating alcohol dependence as soon as possible can improve your quality of life.
What causes dependence and alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
Alcohol dependence can begin at an early stage such as adolescence and remain until adulthood. The exact cause of alcohol dependence is not known. You can become dependent on alcohol after experiencing physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one. You can also use alcohol to try to alleviate your anxiety, depression (deep sadness), loneliness or tension. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase your chance of having alcohol dependence:

Age: Drinking alcohol at an early age.
Family history: Having a close relative with alcohol problems.
Genetics: The constitution of their genes. A gene is a small piece of information that tells your body what to do or what to make.
Sex: Men are more likely to become dependent on alcohol than women.
Other diseases: Having other mental disorders or personality problems, such as antisocial behavior or depression.
Abuse of other substances: Intense consumption of cigarettes or other illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
Withdrawal syndrome can be caused by chemical changes in your body and brain. When you drink alcohol in great quantity and frequency, your brain is always exposed to the effects of alcohol. This makes your brain adjust and adapt to your consumption habits by producing certain chemicals in larger quantities than usual. This causes your brain to be overstimulated and overactive. If the consumption of alcohol stops suddenly, the brain remains hyperactive and then the signs and symptoms of the withdrawal syndrome appear. The following conditions may increase your chances of having the withdrawal syndrome.Drinking higher levels of alcohol every day, such as in the case of a beer or more than half a gallon of wine.
Heavy consumption of alcohol for some period, such as drinking for more than five years.
History of withdrawal syndrome.
Poor nutrition or physical condition, or decreased liver function.
The use of certain medications or drugs at the same time, such as sedatives, cocaine or narcotics.
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence and withdrawal syndrome?
Alcohol dependence includes some of the following signs or symptoms:
Continue to consume alcohol even when you know of its harmful effects. You continue to drink even when you know that this increases your chances of having health problems. These health problems can include liver problems, stomach ulcers, hypertension (high blood pressure) or stroke.
Development of tolerance to alcohol. Tolerance means that the amount of alcohol you usually consume does not cause the depressive effects you might want. You may need to consume even more alcohol to obtain its previous effects.
Effort and extra time in activities that allow you to drink. You can go frequently to events or activities that will include alcohol consumption. You can also spend a lot of your time consuming alcohol or with people who also drink.
Have withdrawal symptoms (physical or mental) after not drinking for a short period. You may need the same amount of alcohol to relieve or avoid the symptoms of abstinence. You may also need to consume alcohol to stop the tremor or to cure the hangover.
Anxiety increased by alcohol. There may be a desire to drink more frequently and more alcohol.
Problems to reduce or control the use of alcohol. Not being able to control their drinking habits or returning to drink again after leaving it.
Spend less time doing more important things. You have problems with your social or daily activities at school, work or at home.
The alcohol withdrawal syndrome may include some of the following signs and symptoms:
Minor symptoms: These usually start 5 to 8 hours after your last alcohol intake. You may feel anxious, agitated, tired, nervous, shaky or wobbly. You may also have trouble sleeping, excessive sweating, an accelerated pulse or decreased appetite.Major symptoms: From 24 to 72 hours after your last alcohol intake, your minor withdrawal symptoms worsen. You may feel confused or more tired, agitated, shaky or wobbly. You may also have frequent rapid eye movements, cold sweating excess, nausea, or vomiting. Other symptoms may include rapid pulse, high blood pressure, problems thinking clearly or seizures. You can start to hallucinate (see or hear things that do not exist).
Delirium tremens: Delirium tremens can occur 72 to 96 hours after your last alcohol intake. You may have a fever, high blood pressure, or an accelerated pulse. You may sweat excessively, rave (manic or hysterically) or tremble severely. Seizures, heart attacks, breathing problems, or strokes may occur.
How are alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms diagnosed?
Psychiatric evaluation: Doctors will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care you needed when you needed it. The doctors will ask if you have been a victim of a crime or a natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or illness. They will ask you if you have seen other people being injured, such as during combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs now or in the past. The doctors will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. The answers to these questions can help doctors in their treatment. Caregivers will ask about the factors that can help you during treatment. These factors can include how you feel about the treatment and your hobbies and goals. The doctors will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.
Tests and rating scales: Blood, urine, saliva, or breath tests can be done to check the amount of alcohol in your body. You may have to do different tests or rating scales to get more information about your problem with alcohol:
Alcohol dependence: Doctors use a guide to diagnose alcohol dependence. You will have alcohol dependence if symptoms occur at any time of the year. The symptoms may be greatly affected and cause problems in school, at work or with your relationships. You will be diagnosed with alcohol dependence if you have at least three of the following:
Continue alcohol consumption even though you know it is harmful.
Consume more alcohol than you used to start.
Try harder and find more time to consume alcohol.
Develop tolerance to alcohol.
Have withdrawal symptoms (physical or mental) after not drinking alcohol for a short period.
Problems to reduce or control your drinking.
Spend less time doing more important things.
Withdrawal syndrome: A guide is also used to diagnose withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms may have developed after several hours or days after having stopped the intense and prolonged consumption of alcohol. These can have a great effect on your daily activities, including school, work or relationships. The symptoms should not be caused by other diseases or mental conditions. Two or more of the following symptoms must be present:
Agitation or anxiety
Hallucinations or illusions.
Difficulty to sleep.
Increase in the tremor of the hands.
Nausea or vomiting
Convulsions
Excessive sweating or more than 100 beats per minute.


How is alcohol dependence and withdrawal syndrome treated?
The treatment focuses on helping you learn how to control your alcoholism problem. The doctors will also work with your family, friends, classmates or work colleagues. This will help teach them how to deal with their problem of alcohol dependence. You may need some of the following:Detoxification or detoxification: Your doctor may need to put you in some detoxification or detoxification program. This is done to eliminate the toxic residues of alcohol present in your body. During detoxification, you will be given medications to help prevent the symptoms of withdrawal when you stop drinking alcohol. As you get better, your doctor can slowly change the amount of detoxifying medications given to you.
IV (intravenous): An IV (intravenous) is a small cannula that is inserted into a vein and used to apply medications or fluids.
Medications: Consult your doctor before using any of the following medications:
Alcohol dependence: Your doctor may suggest certain medications to help you manage your alcohol dependence and other related problems. Ask your doctor for more information about these medications.
Abstinence syndrome:
Anticonvulsants: These medications are given to control seizures.
Anti-nausea medications: These medications may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting.
Blood pressure medications: These medications may be given to lower your blood pressure. Proper control of your blood pressure protects your heart, lungs, brain, kidneys and other organs.
Sedatives: These medications can be given so that you feel calm and relaxed.
Sympatholytics: These medications are commonly used to control high blood pressure and other signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These can also be used to help reduce tremor or uncontrollable movements. Sympatholytics can help you feel more calm, more concentrated, and less irritable.
Therapies:
Cognitive behavior therapy: Together with your therapist, you will learn how to control your actions and improve your behavior. This is done through teaching how to behave from observing the result of their actions. You may also need to know how to deal with situations that make you dependent on alcohol.
Motivational Lifting Therapy: Motivational Lifting Therapy is used to motivate you to stop using alcohol. A therapist or counselor will motivate you and help you achieve your goals so that you can change your behavior behaviors. By making those changes you can stop your dependence on alcohol and have a better lifestyle.
Respiratory support:
Oxygen: You may need more oxygen if the oxygen level in your blood is lower than it should be. You may receive oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostril. Check with your doctor before removing your mask or oxygen conduit.
Respirator: A respirator is a special machine that can breathe for you if you can not breathe properly on your own. They can put an endotracheal tube in your mouth or nose. They can also place a tracheal cannula through an incision made in the front of your neck. The endotracheal tube or tracheal cannula is attached to the respirator. The respirator can supply oxygen to you.
Other medications:
Glucose: This medicine is used to increase the amount of sugar in your blood. You can receive this medication intravenously (IV).
Vitamin and mineral supplements: Vitamin and mineral supplements, such as vitamin B1 or thiamine, may be used. These can help prevent other conditions related to alcohol consumption that may affect your brain.


Where can I find support and more information?
Having dependence and alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a condition that changes your life and that of your family. Accepting that you have alcohol dependence or withdrawal symptoms can be difficult. Talk with your doctor, family or friends about your feelings. Your doctor can help you and your family better understand how to support you. You and your family can join a support group. This is a group of people who may have the same problem. Contact the following for more information.Alcoholics Anonymous
Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
National Clearinghouse on Drug and Alcohol Information
Phone: 1- 800 - 7296686
Web Address: www.health.org
AGREEMENTS ON YOUR CARE:
You have the right to participate in the planning of your care. Learn everything you can about your condition and how to treat it. Discuss with your doctors your treatment options to together decide the care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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This information is used only for educational purposes. Your intention is not to give medical advice about diseases or treatments. Consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to find out if it is safe and effective for you.