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Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal happen because a person who typically drinks too much alcohol on a daily basis suddenly stops. Withdrawal symptoms can happen to people of all ages and races. Too much alcohol equates to 14 drinks a week for men and 8 for women. It can also be established if it's just drinking to a point that affects a person's daily life.

  1. Psychological Symptoms

    • The psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually include nervousness, anxiety, irritability, quick emotional changes, depression, fatigue, and bad dreams. Most people will only experience mild forms of these symptoms. For a long-term drinker, these symptoms could be more severe and longer lasting.

    Physical Symptoms

    • Physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include general or pulsating headaches, sweating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, insomnia, elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, and clammy skin, tremors, and abnormal eyelid movement. These symptoms will almost always accompany the psychological symptoms.

    Severe Symptoms

    • Severe symptoms of withdrawal mainly happen to people that have been drinking heavily for many years or that have other medical problems that suddenly stop drinking. These symptoms include delirium tremens, which is confusion and visual hallucinations, agitation, fever, convulsions, and black outs. These symptoms are very severe and should be treated by medical personnel for the safety of the individual suffering.

    Length of Symptoms

    • Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can range from mild to potentially life-threatening. Symptoms begin to develop 8 to 12 hours after the last drink, and they usually peak 2 to 4 days after and can last for more than a week. Symptoms--such as mood changes, sleep patterns and fatigue--can last up to a year or even beyond. Liver and heart disease are common in long time heavy drinkers.

    Medical Help

    • The possibility of the withdrawal symptoms to become life-threatening makes it a good idea to see a health care physician or go to the emergency room if there are signs of withdrawal. It is especially important to go to the emergency room if any of the severe symptoms are present. They may be life-threatening and can lead to other health problems or injuries.

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