How Do I Handle a Person Having Alcohol Withdrawals?

Anyone who has been drinking continuously for longer than a month will suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These can range from nausea and shaking to hallucinations and heart palpitations. Psychological symptoms include fatigue, depression, anxiety, nervousness and confusion. Understanding how the person withdrawing from alcohol may be feeling is key to being able to effectively help them.

Instructions

• 1

  Encourage them to seek medical attention in the first instance. It can be damaging for an alcoholic to suddenly quit, especially if they have been drinking for a number of years. Arrange an appointment with a doctor for them and then offer to accompany them to it. Doctors can prescribe medications that reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These include propranolol, benzodiazepines, atenolol, carbamazepine and diazepam.

• 2

  Remove any alcohol from the person's living area. Make sure they have lots of entertainment such as DVDs and books on hand to distract them. Ensure the person follows a healthy diet during their withdrawal. This will help their body heal itself. Discourage coffee, spicy foods, junk foods and processed foods. Encourage water, fruit juices and lots of vegetables.

• 3

  Commit to the long term. Understand that if a person has been drinking for a considerable length of time then their withdrawal symptoms may last a considerable length of time. They will need support throughout this period. If you are not able to commit to helping them throughout, consider enlisting the help of others. Additional helpers will also be able to support each other. This is important as supporting someone withdrawing from alcohol can be very stressful and emotionally draining.