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Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person uses alcohol excessively, there is a danger when he stops drinking suddenly. He may find that he goes through withdrawal, starting with mild symptoms and increasingly becoming more dangerous, sometimes ending in mortality. Getting help at the first signs of withdrawal is the safest thing to do.

  1. Causes

    • Alcohol withdrawal usually presents in adults rather than teenagers or children, but is possible at any age. According to Medline Plus, symptoms may occur as early as five hours after the last drink, or as late as ten days later.

    Early Symptoms

    • Within a few hours of stopping the use of alcohol, mild withdrawal symptoms may occur. The first symptoms appearing may be a headache, upset stomach and slight elevation in the person's anxiety level.

    After Six Hours

    • After six to twelve hours, the person may experience more symptoms of withdrawal. These may include insomnia, body tremors, profuse sweating and heart palpitations.

    After 12 Hours

    • After 12 to 24 hours, the person may experience previous symptoms at a greater level alongside hallucinations. These symptoms generally disappear within two days, according to the Academy of Family Physicians.

    Seizures

    • With a history of alcoholism or detoxification, he is more likely to have seizures as a symptom of mild alcohol withdrawal syndrome. These will likely occur within the first 48 hours of withdrawal.

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