Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Withdrawal syndrome is used to denote those physiological changes that are experienced by people who abruptly discontinue or reduce the use of recreational drugs, smoking and alcohol. While nicotine withdrawal usually refers to the set of symptoms caused by stopping smoking, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is experienced by those habitual drinkers who stop intake of alcohol, all of a sudden. It may not be experienced by occasional drinkers, but habitual ones may suffer these symptoms, every time, they attempt to stop drinking alcohol.

In case of males, excessive alcohol use means intake of at least 15 drinks per week and for females, it is eight drinks per week. As per these standards, one drink is calculated as 12 grams of alcohol. It amounts to five ounces of wine and 12 ounces of beer. While this condition is more common in adults, even some youngsters are found to have this problem.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

Usually, such symptoms occur within five to ten hours of the last drink. In some cases, these symptoms may last for more than ten days. The severity of symptoms may vary from one person to another and it has been noted that heavy drinkers experience severe symptoms as compared to others. Even people with some medical conditions are found to have severe symptoms. While mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, rapid emotional changes, nervousness, shakiness, fatigue, depression, difficulty in concentrating and thinking and bad dreams. Some experience moderate symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heart rate, sweating, dilated pupils, hand tremors, insomnia, aversion to food and abnormal movement of the eyelids.

Severe symptoms are black outs, convulsions, fever and delirium tremens, and in such cases, immediate medical attention is needed. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms appear within eight to twelve hours of the last drink and may last for around three to four days. The alcohol withdrawal duration may be a few months or even a year.

How is it Treated

The treatment for this syndrome is aimed at relieving the symptoms and preventing complications. It may also include a long-term therapy to promote the abstinence of the person from using alcohol. While people with severe symptoms have to seek immediate medical attention, it is recommended that those with milder symptoms too go in for medical assistance, so that complications can be avoided. Usually, such people will be admitted to the hospital, so that their health conditions can be monitored. Their blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and electrolyte levels. will be constantly observed. Sometimes, they will be administered intravenous fluids and medications.

The common medications used in alcohol withdrawal treatment include benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and sedatives. Proper treatment and nursing care are very much necessary for such people. There are some well-recognized guidelines, according to which, the alcohol treatment has to be planned. Sometimes, it is even advised to get oneself enrolled into an alcohol rehabilitation program to prevent any chances of relapse.

In short, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is not a minor problem and should not be overlooked. It must be treated with proper care, as there is a steady increase in the number of people with alcohol addiction and resultant withdrawal. Overlooked and mismanaged cases can have devastating effects. So, apart from proper care, support from family members and friends will also be beneficial for such people. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms can be reduced and eliminated totally, if proper treatment is provided at the right time. Specialized treatments are also offered for those who want to stop drinking alcohol. This applies to all habitual as well as chronic drinkers.