Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol is a substance that is all around us. We have it at parties, when we are out for dinner, or indulge when we are a little bored at home. It is a big part of so many cultures that we can quickly forget it is a strong psychoactive substance with potentially damaging short and long-term effects. 

One of these adverse effects is alcohol withdrawal. It happens when someone who has been frequently and excessively using the substance suddenly stops drinking it. This stop forces the brain and body to hurriedly try to adjust to its absence. The accompanying physical and psychological manifestations of this adjustment process are termed alcohol withdrawal. 

In this article, we discuss the signs of alcohol withdrawal and what you can do if you are on your journey to abstinence. 

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?

The human body is an interesting entity. It has many pathways that help it use substances produced within and outside the body. When you take a substance like alcohol, it works on neural pathways involving a chemical named Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and another called glutamate. You can think of GABA as your brain’s “chill pill,” while glutamate makes you feel more alert and energized.

With consistent and excessive alcohol use, your brain tries to balance things out by making less GABA and increasing how much glutamate you have around. Now, if a person were to suddenly stop consuming alcoholic beverages, this balance that their brain has worked to achieve becomes maladaptive. The ample supply of glutamate and reduced GABA become a recipe for hyperactivity in their nervous system. 

It is this resulting imbalance that presents as signs of alcohol withdrawal. These range from anxiety to tremors, excessive sweating and, in severe cases, seizures. 

Physical Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal 

Alcohol withdrawal can present with physical effects that range from mild to severe. Some of the common ones include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: These can be particularly tough as your body attempts to get rid of toxins and adjust to being without alcohol. It can feel overwhelming but can be managed with medical care.
• Sweating and Tremors: Quivering hands and excessive sweating are common as your body struggles to regulate itself. The tremors may interfere with fine motor coordination and make daily tasks difficult, 
• Headaches and Muscle Pain: As your body readjusts, you may notice aches and pains. Staying hydrated and seeking expert care can help with these discomforts.
• Racing heartbeat: SInce alcohol slows down our nervous system, suddenly stopping it can send your body into overdrive. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are generated during alcohol detox. and this makes your heart beat faster.
• Fever: Fever can be part of a more severe withdrawal response like delirium tremens (DTs). In this condition, even the immune system becomes overstimulated due to the absence of alcohol’s depressant effects. This can cause the body to rise in temperature. It could also be due to stress or inflammation as the body struggles to regain balance.

Psychological Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alongside physical symptoms, alcohol withdrawal may affect your mental well-being. These struggles are just as important to address:

• Mood Swings: Your mood may swing between anger, frustration, and even mania. Patience and support are important in these moments.
• Anxiety and Restlessness: Feeling on edge should be expected during the withdrawal process. Your thoughts may focus on negative scenarios, which can make it difficult to calm down and rest. Reaching out to a professional can help you get through these challenges. 
• Depression and Fatigue: Low mood and low energy may set in during withdrawal because alcohol use disrupts the brain’s reward system.

How Can Alcohol Withdrawal Be Managed?

Attempting an alcohol detox at home is not recommended for heavy and persistent alcohol users. As discussed above, signs and symptoms of acute withdrawal are dangerous and even deadly if done without qualified supervision. 

Although these symptoms have no cure, tools are available to help patients better manage their distressing effects. Rehabilitation centres like Q Space Detox offer the facilities and expertise to effectively manage the risk of withdrawal. Some common medical treatments employed include:

1. 1. Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medications may be prescribed to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This treatment helps people handle discomfort and reduces the chances of severe complications. 
   2. Detox Programs: Inpatient and outpatient detoxification can give you a supervised and controlled environment to overcome alcohol dependence. They usually offer group and individual counseling, psychoeducational sessions, and pharmacotherapy. 
   3. Counseling and Psychotherapy: This treatment method is integral to recovery. Through counseling and therapy, people can address underlying issues and emotional triggers while developing healthy coping mechanisms that reduce the risk of relapse.

Helping Someone Through Alcohol Withdrawal

Patience, understanding ,and practical assistance are essential when supporting a loved one through this period. It will help if you learn about the symptoms so you may better empathize with them. Encourage them to seek professional assistance to properly manage their recovery. 

If you or an LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, Q Space Detox is here to help through our detox program. Our amazing staff will work with you one-on-one to create a recovery plan that is targeted towards your needs and goals. Call us today at 305-745-7768 to start your journey to recovery.