Alcohol Withdrawal: How to Get Through It
Physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:- Tremor
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
Psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt
- Shame
- Problems thinking clearly
Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal:
1. Early withdrawal symptoms (6-12 hours after your last drink):
- Anxiety
- Shaky hands
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
2. Peak withdrawal symptoms (24-72 hours after your last drink):
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Severe nausea and vomiting
3. Protracted withdrawal symptoms (several weeks to months after your last drink):
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor concentration
- Cravings for alcohol
How to Get Through Alcohol Withdrawal
- Seek medical help if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
- This is especially important if you have a history of seizures or hallucinations during withdrawal.
- Taper your alcohol intake slowly.
- If you have been drinking heavily, it is important to reduce your intake gradually over several days to avoid sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Stay hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids to help flush the alcohol from your system.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Eating healthy foods will help to improve your overall health and well-being, and may also help to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Get regular exercise.
- Exercise can help to improve your mood and energy levels, and may also help to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Get support from family and friends.
- Having a support system can help you to stay motivated and focused on your recovery.
- Consider joining a support group.
- There are many support groups available for people who are struggling with alcohol addiction. These groups can provide you with a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences and receive help from others who understand what you are going through.