What are some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Kicking alcohol out of your life may be the best decision you ever make. However, those who are suffering from alcoholism often times face many challenges along the way.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop drinking after a prolonged period of dependency.
Note: not everybody who stops drinking will experience withdrawal symptoms, but this is something you need to be ready for.
If you have been drinking for a long period of time, drinking heavily, or drinking frequently, you will likely run into some of the more common withdrawal symptoms.
Until you actually quit drinking, there is no way of saying how your body is going to respond. Some people don’t face any symptoms, while others soon realize their body is going to fight them every step of the way.
Tip: if you have been drinking for many years and are thinking about quitting, consult with a medical professional before doing so. While quitting “cold turkey” without medical advice may sound easy enough, this is not always the case. It is best to know what to expect so you can prepare accordingly.
Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Your body could face the following physical symptoms as a result of alcohol withdrawal:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Headache
- Clammy skin
- Hand tremors
- Involuntary movements
Psychological Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Along with the physical symptoms, there are several psychological symptoms to be aware of:
- Difficulties making decisions and thinking clearly
- Anxiety
- Feeling of nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
The symptoms listed above are mild in most people going through alcohol withdrawal. Along with these, there are symptoms which can be much more severe. These include but are not necessary limited to the following:
- Extreme agitation with others
- Fever
- State of confusion
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions
As you can see, these symptoms are much more serious and will require the treatment of a qualified medical professional.
How to Prepare for Alcohol Withdrawal
Although some of these symptoms may intimidate you, it is important to realize one thing: it is better to face these symptoms for a short period of time than to continue drinking alcohol.
There are steps you can take to prepare yourself for withdrawal, including the following:
- Speak with your doctor about your plan. This will ensure that you receive the appropriate advice before starting the withdrawal process. Additionally, your doctor can provide you with information on how to avoid and/or deal with any symptoms you may face.
- Don’t be afraid to check into a local rehab facility. While this may be a last resort, it is often times the best way to receive the medical treatment you need during this difficult time in your life.
- Find a local support group. You are not the only person going through alcohol withdrawal. By taking part in a support group, you can connect with others who are facing the same situation.
For some, alcohol withdrawal is a relatively simple process. On the other side of things, there are those who are forced to deal with a variety of symptoms. Now that you know more about the most common symptoms, you can prepare for everything.