Both physical and emotional symptoms occur during the alcohol withdrawal process. What are some signs of alcohol withdrawal? Well, if you are a chronic drinker, you will probably understand this more. It is a sign that your body is flushing out the alcohol too quickly, thus leaving you feeling tired and lost. Here, we will discuss more about the signs of alcohol withdrawal. Mind you, everyone’s situation differs, but we hope you consider this. Remember to also brush up on the warning signs of alcoholism in addition to this list.
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What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is both a physical and an emotional game. During what is commonly known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or AWS, the body naturally desires to flush out the toxins from your body. This can cause alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) currently affects roughly 28.8 million adults and can range from mild to more severe symptoms.
1. Anxiety and Restlessness
The reason that alcohol use disorder is so widespread is because of its dangerous effects during withdrawal. Many cannot tolerate the discomfort. Thus, they return to drinking. The body produces excess chemicals, among them dopamine (the “reward” chemical) and GABA (the “anti-anxiety” chemical), which can cause a feeling of anxiety and restlessness. The brain associates alcohol with normalcy, and this causes it to alter itself. This can often cause a stress response in the person, leading to an increased sense of anxiety.
The impact of restlessness on daily activities and mental health can be dire. Many are so used to drinking that they will have trouble maintaining daily life without it. You may feel fine, but you are not. You need to seek help. It is an illness, and it destroys lives. Reach out to Muse Treatment if you feel you are prone to alcohol abuse.
2. Tremors and Shaking
Because of the way the brain is wired, signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors and shaking. The causes behind this are changes to the nervous system, but may also include low blood sugar and even damage to the brain. Much like all substances, the body and brain adjust themselves to heavy drinking. The body then becomes accustomed to the substance, which can cause several effects. These symptoms can have long-term effects on motor functioning,
Stability and coordination can be drastically affected both short and long-term. Signs of alcohol withdrawal include a loss of balance, blurry vision, and confusion. This is important to understand, as if you are unable to quit drinking due to shakes and tremors, you need to seek assistance from a rehabilitation center such as Muse Treatment. We are here to help.
3. Sweating and Fever
Because alcohol is a diuretic or a substance that causes excessive urination, it comes with body perspiration. When trying to understand the signs of alcohol withdrawal, it must be understood that it is just like any drug. When the body experiences less of the substance, it must adjust itself to healthy levels. This is where the autonomic nervous system comes into play: a series of nerve cells that control things like heart rate and breathing. Alcohol lessens its effects, acting as a depressant and slowing these functions. When the body is quickly drained of alcohol, it can cause sweating. Fever is also a function of the autocratic nervous system, and thus, it often occurs when the body is trying to maintain homeostasis or balance.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Again, many will find that to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they must continue drinking. This is often the case with nausea and vomiting, which are two common symptoms that occur during alcohol withdrawal. This is typically a sign of severe dependence. It occurs due to the same reasons as any other substance’s withdrawal period: the body is adjusted to alcohol, and this causes it to react in strange ways. However, it can be increasingly difficult with alcohol withdrawal, as it can drain the body of nourishment.
5. Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia is a natural prognosis of alcohol withdrawal. Because alcohol acts as a sedative and because alcohol withdrawal can cause sleep deprivation, it goes hand-in-hand with physical and psychological symptoms. When you consume alcohol, you are taking in a substance that disturbs REM (rapid eye movement) cycles, where the body is restoring itself.
Though insomnia and sleep disturbances are among the many signs of alcohol withdrawal, it is more or less the result of the withdrawal itself. When you withdraw from alcohol, your body is going through a lot of changes, including sleep cycles. Many experience short-term insomnia, but chronic sleep disturbances are common. This is best addressed with therapy as treatment.
6. Irritability and Mood Swings
It is no surprise that irritability and mood swings come as one of the signs of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is uncomfortable, and this can lead to damaging effects. Remember that alcohol withdrawal is not just a physical phenomenon. It is psychological.
As the body tries to adjust to the lack of alcohol, the neurotransmitters it is affecting fluctuate, causing mood swings and irritability. This can immensely affect family and friends, as those we love often suffer the most when we try to do this alone. Seek out support if you are suffering from alcohol withdrawal and are noticing negative effects on family and friends.
7. Seizures and Convulsions
Seizures can occur during alcohol withdrawal. It can occur within 48 hours of the last consumed drink and can ensue as late as one month after consumption. Bringing back the idea of neurotransmitters, when someone is a heavy drinker, they are upsetting the body’s natural chemical structure. This disrupts parts of the brain that regulate brain activity.
When you cease drinking, the neurotransmitters become excited, causing an electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause seizures and convulsions. This is why medical supervision is not just recommended but required during detoxification. Muse Treatment offers specialized detoxification programs that may assist in avoiding negative side effects.
8. Hallucinations and Delirium Tremens
First, we must define what causes hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs) and will work backward in due respect. Hallucinations can occur within 24 hours of the last drink, and this is because alcohol works on the same neurotransmitters responsible for schizophrenia. When this dopamine imbalance is disrupted, it can cause dopamine to detract, thus making it possible to experience hallucinations that manifest as a result of the body’s cleanse.
Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe condition that can occur within 72 hours after the last drink. It involves confusion, agitation, tremors, and even hyperactivity. This can lead to vivid hallucinations and delusional thinking, alongside paranoia. On the physical spectrum, this can include fever and sweating. DT is serious and can even lead to death, with a typical mortality rate of around 15-20 percent when not encountered with medical supervision. Delirium tremens treatment is vital for recovering from this condition.
Importance of Seeking Medical Help
If you are experiencing any of the signs of alcohol withdrawal, as listed above, it is important to seek help. Medical detoxification is not just a fail-safe; it is a must. Alcohol, believe it or not, is one of the most dangerous substances to withdraw from. This is because of its immense effects on the brain and the body, and it must be treated with diligence and care to get through withdrawal symptoms.
When withdrawing without supervision, it is indeed possible that more than just uncomfortability will occur. It can even lead to long-term effects, including death. If you are experiencing signs of alcohol withdrawal, it is important not to go at it alone. Muse Treatment is an important solution you must consider, as the risks of withdrawing without medical supervision are not only uncomfortable but also a death sentence. Please seek help; don’t go at it alone. We can help you get through the alcohol withdrawal timeline and achieve recovery.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal
Muse Treatment offers medication-assisted treatment, where withdrawal symptoms are managed with non-potent medications that can assist during the detox process. We also provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that allows your true thoughts to manifest themselves in a supportive and therapeutic environment. Lastly, if you are experiencing any of the signs of alcohol withdrawal, it is never too late to seek help. Do not hesitate to reach out to Muse Treatment, and you can also call us at 800-426-1818.
