Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal occurs among people who consumed high amounts of alcohol, long periods of time, and suddenly gave up drinking. Usually the first symptoms appear in 5-10 hours after giving up alcohol, but can occur from 7-10 days later.

The following are considered cases in which alcohol is consumed excessively:

- More than 15 drinks per week in men or 8 cups in women;

- More than five drink per day for men or four drinks per day for women.

Alcohol consumption interferes with the daily activities of the patient, regardless of the amount consumed. The person will develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when quitting the habit. The risk of developing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms increases if the patient has other medical problems.

Alcohol withdrawal is easily diagnosed if the patient manifested typical symptoms that occur after cessation of alcohol consumption.

There are no specific tests that contribute to the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal.

If the patient already manifests symptoms of alcohol withdrawal it means that there is a risk that internal organs have been affected. In this situation the doctor can recommend blood tests needed to assess medical problems caused by alcohol: liver disease, heart disease, diseases of peripheral nerves, digestive system disorders. Also, the doctor will evaluate and recommend diet and the specific analysis to identify the deficiency of vitamins. Often, those addicted to alcohol and not feeding adequately.

Delirium tremens is often triggered by stopping or reducing alcohol consumption, but may be associated with acute infection or an injury, dehydration or emotional trauma.

Typically, clinical signs appear quickly and fluctuates but gets worse at night. On average, the alcohol withdrawal syndrome lasts 2-5 days but may persist for several weeks. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to blackouts, disorientation sharp, delusions, hallucinations frightening, incoherent speech, lack of rest, autodestructiv behavior, affective disorders and so on.

The patient should have breathing and circulation in good functionality, drink sufficient water feed adequately, especially with proteins and carbohydrates (not fat).

Alcoholism treatment success depends primarily on identifying and accepting that a person has a problem with alcohol abuse. Supportive treatment such as psychological counseling may be useful in treating alcoholism.

Treatment must take into account the psychological identification of alcohol dependence in this case the treatment is based mainly on psychotherapy. Alcoholics should stop drinking and treat withdrawal symptoms (tremor increased, dizziness, psychomotor agitation). Along with treating these symptoms is necessary to find effective methods to try to maintain abstinence from alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may worsen quickly and can be life-threatening. To improve them, this may require administration of drugs that depress the central nervous system (such as sedatives), in moderate doses.