Alcohol abstinence syndrome is the group of symptoms that occur when a person suddenly stops or significantly reduces alcohol intake after a long period of time consuming large amounts.
The alcohol abstinence syndrome can cause a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, from mild anxiety and fatigue to nausea. Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are as severe as hallucinations and convulsions, putting life in real danger.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of alcohol abstinence syndrome can occur anywhere between six hours and a few days after consuming the last alcoholic drink. Typically, these include at least two of the following:
– shaky hands;
– anxiety;
– nausea
– vomiting;
– headaches;
– increased heart rate
– sweating;
– irritability;
– confusion;
– insomnia;
– nightmares;
– high blood pressure.
The symptoms may worsen over two to three days, and some mild symptoms may persist for weeks in some people. These may be more noticeable when less alcohol is left in the blood.
The most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal is known as delirium tremens (DT). Signs and symptoms include:
- extreme confusion;
- extreme agitation;
- fever;
- convulsions;
- tactile hallucinations, such as itching, burning or numbness;
- auditory hallucinations;
- Visual hallucinations.
If you have severe symptoms due to ethanol withdrawal, request for emergency medical assistance. If you experience high fever, hallucinations or heart related symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Causes
Excessive alcohol levels exude and irritate the nervous system. If you drink daily, your body becomes addicted to alcohol soon. When this happens, the central nervous system can no longer easily adapt to the lack of alcohol.
If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol or significantly reduce the amount of alcohol you consume over a short period of time, you nay experience withdrawal symptoms.
Who is in danger of suffering from alcohol abstinence syndrome?
People who have an alcohol addiction or who regularly drink a lot and who can not gradually reduce the amount of alcohol are at high risk of experiencing the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
This syndrome is more common in adults, but children and teens who consume too much alcohol may also experience the symptoms. You are also at risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal if you have had these types of symptoms before.
Treatment
Treatment for alcohol withdrawal depends on how severe the symptoms are. Some people can be treated at home, while others may need care in a hospital to avoid potentially dangerous complications, such as convulsions.
Home care
Symptoms of alcohol abstinence syndrome are often treated at home. It’s recommended to have a friend or a relative monitoring you, and in case the symptoms get worse, transport you to a hospital.
It also helps to go to AA meetings and get a supportive group, and see your doctor regularly to do blood tests.
Hospitalization
If the symptoms are more severe, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. This way, your doctor can monitor your condition and manage any complications. Most likely, you will need to be given IV fluids to prevent dehydration, and medications to relieve the symptoms.
Medication
Symptoms of the syndrome are often treated with sedatives called benzodiazepines. In addition, vitamin supplements can be given to replace essential vitamins that are depleted by alcohol consumption. Once withdrawal is complete, additional medications and supplements may be recommended to address the nutritional complications and deficiencies that occur as a result of chronic alcohol use.
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