How Do I Know if I’m Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol use disorder is a condition that is characterised by overconsumption of alcohol. It is divided into two categories: mild and severe. It can be a struggle to cope with the symptoms of this disease, especially because there is a lot of stigma around it and people generally view it negatively. 

Mild alcohol use disorder is characterised by a few symptoms, such as drinking more than intended, being unable to stop drinking, or experiencing negative consequences as a result of drinking.

Severe alcohol use disorder is characterised by many symptoms, such as drinking despite negative consequences, inability to control drinking, continued use despite knowing it is causing harm, and cravings for alcohol.

Whether the symptoms are mild or severe, a qualified and trained psychiatrist will be able to help you enter complete recovery from this condition. A psychiatrist will be able to help in mitigating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawals, which can make entering recovery difficult - 

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops or reduces their alcohol intake.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can last for weeks or even months. They include nausea, vomiting, headache, shakiness, and irritability. In severe cases, people may experience seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from person to person. Symptoms typically peak within 48-72 hours of the last drink, but can last for weeks or even months. 

These symptoms can sometimes even be dangerous. A psychiatrist can help in reducing the discomfort and help a person recover safely, while also ensuring that the person has minimal chances of relapsing (falling back into the older, problematic patterns of alcohol use). 

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be a difficult experience. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Irritability

• Trouble sleeping

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Shakiness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache

• Excessive sweating

• Palpitations

• Confusion

• Delirium Tremens

What Are Delirium Tremens?

Delirium Tremens is one of the most intense forms of alcohol withdrawal. It is characterised by severe confusion, shaking, shivering, irregular heartbeats, sweating, and even hallucinations. Delirium usually occurs over three days into the withdrawal symptoms and can last up to two to three days. 

At times, delirium can turn very dangerous, as people may experience very high temperatures and seizures. This makes alcohol one of the most dangerous substances to quit. This is also why it is important to stop the intake of alcohol under the direction of a psychiatrist only. The psychiatrist can take the necessary steps in the form of medication or hospitalisation to help in recovery and prevent delirium. However, only around 3 to 5% of people that are recovering from alcohol use disorder experience delirium tremens. 

How to Cope With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you're experiencing alcohol withdrawal, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. It's also critical to get plenty of rest.

There are a number of prescription medications that can help. If your withdrawal symptoms are severe, it's essential to seek medical help from a psychiatrist and a therapist, as they will guide you towards recovery. Remember that alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening condition, and should be treated with caution. Anyone experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms should seek medical help immediately. 

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

There are a number of different treatment options for Alcohol Use Disorder. Some people may choose to go to rehab, while others may choose to get treatment through an outpatient program. There are also a number of medications that can help people who are struggling with alcohol addiction. You can also choose to go with a therapist that can help with all the emotional and mental struggles that come with recovery. 

There is no one “right” way to cope with alcohol withdrawal, but many people find it helpful to seek support from friends or family, attend self-help meetings, or seek professional help. Alcohol withdrawal can be a difficult experience, but there are ways to cope with the symptoms. Knowing what to expect can help make the process a little easier. 

If you or your loved one is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, be sure to seek medical help. Withdrawal can be dangerous if it's not monitored properly. At Amaha, you can get all the different treatment methods from the best mental health experts in India. 

Please seek help if you are going through alcohol withdrawal. Getting treatment for alcohol use disorder is a brave thing to do. Reach out to an Amaha Psychiatrist today.