People who drink alcohol regularly, if they suddenly stop drinking, may experience “withdrawal” symptoms , which may range from headaches, hand tremors, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, to hallucinations or seizures.
Get to know the symptoms of “withdrawal”
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or alcohol withdrawal in medical terms occurs. When a person suddenly stops or cuts down on alcohol. After a period of consistent drinking (the equivalent of drinking 16 ounces, or two-thirds of a bottle, of whiskey a day for 14 to 21 days).
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
- Early symptoms include tremors, hand tremors, irritability, nausea, and vomiting, which may occur within a few hours after stopping drinking and are most noticeable the next morning. Other symptoms may also occur, such as fatigue, chills, headache, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, rapid heart rate, sweating, high blood pressure, and even hallucinations, but these are rare.Symptoms during this period may occur for 1-2 days and will gradually decrease within 5-7 days. But irritability and insomnia may occur for up to 10 days.
- Seizures may occur within 7-48 hours after stopping alcohol, with about 90% having 2-6 seizures and not indicating severe alcohol intoxication.
- After 48 hours, hallucinations may occur, hearing unreal sounds such as clocks, cars, or people talking. However, visual hallucinations are rare. The patient does not have delirium, forgetfulness, or confusion. The patient will gradually realize that it is not real.
- After stopping alcohol for 2-3 days, and symptoms become more severe on the 4th-5th day, patients may start to see hallucinations that cause fear. Such as being attacked, seeing animals crawling on the body, hearing people threatening voices, speaking incomprehensibly, shouting, or hiding. Symptoms come and go during the day. Most of these symptoms do not last long.
How to treat withdrawal symptoms
Usually, patients with mild symptoms do not need to be hospitalized or treated with medication. Symptoms will gradually improve on their own. However, if there are other complications, the medical team will consider and diagnose the symptoms on a case-by-case basis.
*In some patients with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, there may be a deficiency of nutrients, especially thiamine, B12, and folic acid. In some ทางเข้า ufabet cases, doctors may consider injecting the missing nutrients into the muscle. In cases where the symptoms are not severe. Electrolyte replacements will be given and appropriate food will be eaten instead.
In cases where symptoms are severe enough for the doctor to consider giving medication, oral or injectable medications may be chosen to help reduce hallucinations, restlessness, or fear, along with physical treatment in some cases where there are physical illnesses. Such as liver disease, infectious diseases, or accidents, etc.
How to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms
We must solve the problem at the root cause, which is not drinking alcohol for too long, not drinking in excessive quantities. If you feel that when you are deprived of alcohol. You have abnormal symptoms, such as shaking hands, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. You should stop drinking immediately.