If you drink a lot of alcohol most of the time and then suddenly stop or severely cut back how much you drink, you may experience emotional and physical problems. This is normal. And it's called withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms happen during detoxification or detox. Detox is how alcohol or other drugs clear from your body. Just so you know, alcohol withdrawal is different from a hangover. Hangovers last a few hours after the last drink. And they stop soon after. Withdrawal symptoms may start a few hours after you stop drinking or after you've suddenly cut back how much you drink. Or they may not start until a few days after the last drink of alcohol.
Withdrawal symptoms vary and can last up to a week or longer .
Alcohol withdrawal is a normal part of recovering and healing.
If you're having withdrawal symptoms, before you stop drinking alcohol, talk to your doctor. It's important to tell your doctor exactly how much you have been drinking. Your doctor can help you decide what you may need during detox such as medicines or to go to a medical center. Thinking about stopping may be stressful. To reduce anxiety, it may help to know what to expect during treatment. Mild withdrawal symptoms include headache,vomiting, nausea, sweating, intense worry, and disturbed sleep. People with mild withdrawal symptoms may be able to stop drinking without medicines. But people who drink a lot may have more severe symptoms. More severe withdrawal symptoms include: belly pain, shaking, confusion, feeling upset and cranky, and being short of breath or having pain in your chest. Other symptoms may include seizures, trembling and feeling things or seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. That's why you may need medical and supportive care. Your healthcare team will understand what you're going through. And they will know how to help ease your symptoms with treatments such as medicine, therapy or counseling, and other support. Whether you detox at home or in a medical center, you may get medicine to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. There's also medicine that can help you avoid alcohol while you recover. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms do stop. And when they do, you will be able to start the next part of your life. Most people who have gone through withdrawal may tell you: "don't go it alone." It can make a positive difference when you spend time with people who support positive changes you are making in your life. This includes asking for advice and help from people who have stopped drinking. You might also try support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. And you can look for a counselor who has experience helping people with alcohol use disorder. It's not easy and every day may have challenges, so be kind to yourself. And know that alcohol withdrawal is how you heal and recover. With time, treatment and support, you will feel better so that you can take the next steps to getting your life back.
