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What is Alcoholism Withdrawal?

There is a serious condition that is associated with the disease alcoholism that is called, alcoholism withdrawal. This condition occurs after a person with the disease alcoholism drinks excessively over a long period of time and then suddenly alcohol is not available or alcohol is denied. There are physical and psychological symptoms of alcoholism withdrawal that range from mild to severe and can even be life threatening. A person should not go through alcoholism withdrawal without medical monitoring as not monitoring the health condition of the individual going through alcoholism withdrawal could result in serious health situations that could end in death.

These withdrawal symptoms usually begin about twelve hours after the last drop of alcohol has been consumed. Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms will peak in two to three days and may last for as long as a week or more in duration. The individual may undergo sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood changes and others that may last for up to twelve months or even longer. Alcoholism withdrawal is serious business and must not be undergone alone or without medical assistance and monitoring. If you know someone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms it is best to get them to an emergency room or alcohol treatment center where they can receive the medical assistance they need to go through the process safely.

Mild to moderate physical symptoms of alcoholism withdrawal may include:

Headache

Pulsating

Sweating

Nausea

Vomiting

Tremors

Mild to moderate psychological symptoms may include:

Anxiety

Bad Dreams

Depression

Difficulty thinking

Fatigue

Feeling Jumpy

Feeling Shaky

Severe Symptoms:

The severe symptoms of alcoholism withdrawal include abnormal loss of skin color, blackouts, confusion, clammy skin, convulsions, and dilated pupils in the eye, hand tremors, involuntary eyelid movements, and also rapid heartbeat. These severe symptoms can occur anytime after 12-hours from the last alcoholic drink.

It is important to call 911 or contact emergency help if the person is having seizures, is hallucinating, has an irregular heartbeat or a rapid heartbeat, or is severely confused.

Medical treatment:

While in the hospital heavy sedation may be required to lessen the severity of the symptoms. It may take a week or longer for the person to be under sedation in order for the withdrawal symptoms to be over.

If the individuals suffered from hallucinations antipsychotic medications may be administered. If the person had seizures anticonvulsant medication may be given.

Long-term preventative treatment will start to begin a period of time known as detoxification where alcohol is to be avoided and this usually involves the individual being placed in an alcoholism rehabilitation facility or treatment center if not already in one.

Alcoholism withdrawal is a serious condition for a serious alcohol problem and must be treated with the care that is required in order to insure the safety of the individual going through the alcoholism withdrawal.