Have you stopped drinking alcohol recently? Are you feeling restless and uneasy after quitting alcohol? Are you having sleepless nights and wishing to shout out to everyone and say, elp! I quit drinking and can’t sleep’? Do not panic. There is nothing to worry about. This is normal and you are not alone to face this issue.
When you abruptly stop drinking after having consumed alcohol over a long period of time, you can experience physical and psychological symptoms. If not treated at the right time, these symptoms can also become associated with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Read on to find out more about the condition and how to come out of it.
WHAT IS MEANT BY ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME?
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, commonly known as AWS, consists of a range of symptoms that take place when a regular, heavy alcohol consumer either reduces or totally stops his or her alcohol intake. Though AWS generally manifests itself through several physical and mental signs, at times in most extreme cases, it can also become fatal.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS SYNDROME?
Being a depressant, alcohol decreases the rate at which your brain normally functions. When you continue to drink regularly, heavily, and for a long period, your brain tries to fight against the effect of this depressant.
For this, it releases stimulating chemicals at a much higher rate than that which is generally released by the brain of a person who does not consume alcohol regularly. Overproduction of chemicals becomes a new habit of the brain.
When you stop drinking suddenly, your brain does not rest with you. It continues to produce extra chemicals. This unnecessary production of the chemicals can lead to undesirable withdrawal symptoms.
With time the brain rewires itself and becomes habituated with the new norm. But, until it does so, you might go through a depressing spell causing you to be anxious and uncomfortable.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Every person who stops drinking might not experience the same withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the rate of alcohol consumption and the time period over which it has been consumed in bigger proportions.
The physical symptoms include heightened blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, clammy skin, headache, loss of appetite, paleness, and sweating of the hands and face.
The psychological or emotional symptoms are anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability, bad dreams, nervousness, frequent emotional changes, and difficulty in thinking clearly.
HOW LONG WILL THE SYMPTOMS LAST?
The condition of withdrawal differs from one person to another. Therefore, there is no fixed duration. Withdrawal symptoms generally start a few hours to a couple of days after you have consumed the final glass of alcohol. Symptoms normally become the worst when you cross a day or two without drinking.
Some symptoms such as alterations in your sleep patterns, mood swings, and fatigue can continue for several weeks and in some cases, even months. You may start feeling a little better when six days or a week passes after your last drink.
HOW CAN THE CONDITION BE TREATED?
The appropriate treatment for this condition depends on the severity of your symptoms. While some patients with mild symptoms may be treated at home, critical patients may need constant medical attention in a hospital set up. This would help them to avoid dangerous situations that might arise.
The treatment should aim at reducing the symptoms and making you feel more comfortable and relaxed. If required, your doctor might also prescribe alcohol counseling sessions for you to get rid of your symptoms in a more effective way.
HOME CARE:
Mild symptoms can be taken care of at your home itself. A close friend or a relative should accompany you and check your condition. In case your symptoms start getting severe, they should consult a doctor or in severe cases, hospitalize you.
They should visit the doctor with you regularly and make a note of your counseling sessions. You might need to go through routine blood tests and tests to determine the medical issues associated with alcohol.
HOSPITALIZATION:
If your symptoms become worse or more critical, then you might need to remain in the hospital. Your doctor will be able to monitor your condition continuously and you will be safe under medical supervision. Your doctor will also be able to handle any complications that might arise. Being under constant supervision will help you get rid of all your symptoms sooner.
MEDICATIONS:
AWS symptoms can often be treated with sedatives. These kinds of sedatives are known as benzodiazepines. Some of the most common benzodiazepines are lorazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, and alprazolam. Apart from these, sometimes doctors may also prescribe vitamin supplements to substitute the essential vitamins that might have been depleted due to long periods of alcohol consumption.
Once your withdrawal symptoms start disappearing, some more supplements and additional medications may be required to address nutritional deficiencies and complications that might occur for having consumed excessive amounts of alcohol regularly.
WILL I RECOVER COMPLETELY?
Most patients who suffer from AWS can recover fully. If you quit drinking, seek treatment, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will gradually see the desired changes. However, symptoms like sleep disturbances, fatigue, and irritability may take time to fade away.
In the case of Delirium Tremens, the condition can turn out to be dangerous in no time. As soon as you start experiencing critical symptoms of AWS, you should consult a medical practitioner immediately. The sooner the treatment starts, the better chances you would get to avoid life-threatening situations.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THE SYNDROME?
The best way to prevent the syndrome is to stop heavy drinking. The more dependent you become on alcohol, the more your addiction will grow. If you think that you cannot live without consuming alcohol in large amounts regularly, it is advisable to go for medical care.
There are many professional, trained and experienced addiction experts who can guide you in the right direction regarding the kind of treatment that you would require.