mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome


Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a series of symptoms that people who have had a problem of alcohol abuse for weeks, months or years may experience when they stop drinking. People who only drink from time to time rarely have withdrawal symptoms.

People who have gone through the period of abstinence before are more likely to have withdrawal symptoms each time they stop drinking.

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may include:

The most severe withdrawal symptoms may include fever, seizures, and delirium tremens (also called DT). People who have TD can experience confusion, anxiety, and even hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that do not really exist). DTs can be very serious if they are not treated by a doctor.

Tremors
Sweating
Anxiety.
Irritability.
Fatigue.
.
Headaches.
Insomnia.
Nightmares.
Decreased appetite.
Do people who are going through the period of abstinence need to see a doctor?
Yes. Your doctor needs to know that you are going through the period of abstinence to be sure that it does not cause more serious health problems. If you go through the period of abstinence several times without receiving the right treatment, your symptoms may get worse each time. Therefore, even if your withdrawal symptoms do not seem so serious, it is important that you consult your doctor. This is especially true for people who have had severe withdrawal symptoms before and people who have other health problems, such as infections, heart disease, lung disease, or a history of seizures.

People who stop using other drugs (such as tobacco, injectable drugs or cocaine) at the same time they stop drinking alcohol may have serious problems with withdrawal. They should consult a doctor before stopping.How can my doctor help me if I am in abstinence?
Your doctor can provide the support you need to be successful in your efforts to stop drinking. He can keep track of your withdrawal symptoms to help prevent more serious health problems.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to control the tremors, anxiety, and confusion that may occur with alcohol withdrawal. If you take these drugs in a first stage of abstinence, these could prevent the symptoms from worsening.

What can my family and friends do to help me if I am going through the period of abstinence?
The need to drink again during abstinence can be very strong. The support of family and friends can help you to resist this need. After the withdrawal symptoms disappear, it is important to join a treatment or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see the contact information presented in "Other Organizations"). These programs can provide the support you need to prevent a relapse.