Treatment and Risks for Alcohol Withdrawal

Though never simple or easy, alcohol withdrawal for a long-time heavy drinker with a system full of chemicals and toxins from prolonged alcohol consumption, presents risks. You will need treatment, possibly at a detox clinic, as well as a long-term support system, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. You will also need evaluation, before, during and after, by a doctor.

Risks of Abrupt Withdrawal

• A brain accustomed to producing stimulants to counteract alcohol's sedating effect, continues to produce them for some time after quitting. This often triggers delirium tremens, stroke or heart attack, so because of this many sources advise heavy drinkers not to quit "cold turkey."

Delirium Tremens

• With Delirium Tremens, or DTs, ex-drinkers usually experience hallucinations, nightmares, tremor, seizures, and convulsions, loss of consciousness, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting. Severe episodes often last days, even weeks, with risk of damage, particularly to the liver.

Risks of Gradual Withdrawal

• Gradually cutting back alcohol also has risks. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, headache and migraine, gastric distress, low-grade fever and rapid heart rate.

Detox Clinics

• Detox clinics present good ways to go through alcohol withdrawal. The staff monitors patients and offer treatments for both outpatients and inpatient, to safely rid them of alcohol without incurring further damage.

Treating the Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal

• Outpatient treatments include: fluids to counteract dehydration and vitamin therapy (B-complex, thiamine, folic acid and magnesium). Inpatient treatments include anti-psychotic medications, such as haloperidol, to treat DTs and sedatives, such as benzodiazepine or diazepam, to treat seizures, anxiety and insomnia.

Long Term Support

• Long-term support is essential. Once you are alcohol free, you will need qualified counseling and/or a support system, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, to remain alcohol free.