Making the choice to quit drinking after heavily drinking can be a great decision. However, it won’t be easy. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can leave you wondering if what you’re feeling is normal. Fighting withdrawal symptoms is possible and can help you get towards your alcohol-free life…
Alcohol Withdrawal: What Are the Symptoms?
Know the causes
Alcohol is known as a depressant drug. Your brain function slows down considerably when drinking. Additionally, your nerves will send slower or reduced signals back and forth across your body.
Over time, your body will adjust to having alcohol in it’s system. It will work harder to keep your brain feeling “normal” and your nerves communicating. However, once you cut back on alcohol, your brain will still stay in this more active state. This is what leads to alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary. More mild symptoms can be expected as soon as 6 hours since your last drink. These symptoms can include headaches, shakiness, nausea, sweating, and anxiety
However, more serious symptoms can show up the longer you go without a drink. Hallucinations can occur after one day, and even seizures after two days. DTS, a more serious form of symptoms, is something that effects 5% of people that go through withdrawal, and includes confusion, fevers, and high blood pressure.
Treatment
There is no surefire way to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead, treatment usually involves ways to reduce the symptom intensity. This includes staying in a positive yet low-light and quiet place. Try to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids as well.
However, this treatment plan can change if you suffer from the more severe symptoms. Your doctor might suggest that you remain in the hospital if you have more serious symptoms. Furthermore, they may also recommend medication to help ease the symptoms.
Going through alcohol withdrawal isn’t easy. Although it can be painful, it’s worth it to get yourself into a life not controlled by alcohol. Pushing through will let you enjoy your new, alcohol-free life even more.
