Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) refers to the symptoms a person shows when they suddenly stop drinking alcohol after long period of extreme and heavy consumption. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually involve a combination of physical, mental, and emotional changes and irritations. Since it is encouraged to consume alcohol in moderation and many people try to stop drinking if they are addicted, this article will discuss the various symptoms of withdrawal that they might face and ways to deal with them.
In very simple words: a sudden break in alcohol consumption after a long period of alcohol abuse. But this is not where it ends. The whole phenomenon involves a deeper effect on the nervous system. According to the doctors,alcohol has a depressive effect on our bodies. It slows down the brain function and changes the way our nervous system conveys messages. Over time, the brain and nervous system adjusts to functioning under this effect of alcohol. The body has to put extra effort to make sure that the brain and nervous system perform their functions. Once you suddenly stop drinking, the brain and nervous system stay in this adjusted state for a while and take some time to get back to normal. This is what causes the withdrawal symptoms.
The sign and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can start appearing from everywhere between a few hours to a couple of days after your last alcohol intake. A person suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome will notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Tremors
2. Anxiety
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Headache
5. Increased heart rate
6. High blood pressure
7. Excessive sweating
8. Irritability
9. Confusion
10. Insomnia
11. Nightmare
Some serious symptoms involve hallucinations, delirium and seizures. If you see any serious symptoms in yourself or in someone close to you, it is best to contact a doctor as soon as possible.
If you have recently stopped drinking and face one or more of these symptoms, it is best to meet your doctor. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your drinking history, time since your last drink and if you have gone through withdrawal before.
There is no treatment for withdrawal syndrome but supportive care can be provided to treat the each individual symptom so that the patient is at ease.The following are some of the ways to get through withdrawal easily:
1. Sit in a quiet room away from loud noises as they can give a headache and increase irritability.
2. Use soft lighting as very bright lights can cause irritation.
3. Ask a friend or a family member to be close by to give assistance in case the symptoms get worse.
4. Consume a lot fluids and vitamin supplements as alcohol can deplete the nutrients from the body. You can conveniently buy supplements from 3MEDS, the best online healthcare provider in Delhi.
5. You can consume painkillers to treat headaches.
6. To treat more serious complications like high blood pressure, hallucinations and seizures, it is best to take doctor’s advice and consume the medicine prescribed by the doctor. The medicines and other medical essentials can be purchased from 3MEDS, the best online chemist shop in Delhi.
7. Maintain a comfortable environment while sleeping to reduce the chances of a nightmare.
The best way to prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome is to stay sober instead to relapsing into alcoholism. Treating the symptoms is only a short term fix. To make sure you do not suffer through it again, stay away from alcohol. You can talk to your doctor about your alcohol dependence and join support groups so that you have support and guidance in your journey towards sobering up.
Once you get through the phase of withdrawal symptoms,you will only feel better and better. Sobering up has its own benefits. You will feel your physical, mental and emotional health getting better. Sobering up can also prevent various complications that come with alcoholism such as , liver failure and even liver cancer. Mentally and emotionally,you will feel less irritable and anxious. Sobering up as early as possible can go a long way in ensuring health and wellbeing of the individual.
