The rate of alcohol consumption is increasing rapidly worldwide, raising serious concerns about public health. There could be various factors leading to this like stress, relationship problems, peer pressure, or easy availability. Apart from physical problems, alcohol dependency also affects mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
When a person regularly consumes excessive alcohol, they may develop alcohol use disorder (AUD). And if they suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce their alcohol intake, they may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms for alcohol withdrawal varies from minor to serious and it can be dangerous if not taken care of immediately. The continuous alcohol consumption changes the brain chemistry by restraining neurotransmitters while controlling mood and nervous system functioning. When alcohol intake is abruptly reduced, the brain struggles to regain balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
How common is alcohol withdrawal?
Amongst people with alcohol use disorder, almost 50% suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is mostly because of their dependence. While some people go through minor symptoms, there are others that face severe problems like delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening to many. Between 24 to 72 hours of the last drink, people with AUD experience withdrawal symptoms.
Causes of alcohol withdrawal
- Heavy alcohol consumption: If someone is consuming alcohol daily and in high quantity, quitting suddenly would lead to withdrawal symptoms
- Abrupt disruption in alcohol consumption: If someone suddenly quits drinking alcohol, withdrawal symptoms are common in them.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances: Alcohol suppresses GABA (calming neurotransmitter) and enhances glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter), leading to overactivity when alcohol is removed.
- Physical dependency: Our body becomes dependant on alcohol. And without drinking, it fails to function properly.
- Previous withdrawals: If someone has previous episodes of withdrawal, they may face it again.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
- Minor symptoms: headache, irritation, mood swings, anxiety, nausea.
- Basic symptoms: high blood pressure, sweating, tremors.
- Major symptoms: seizures, hallucinations, fever, agitation.
- Delirium Tremens (DTs): Life-threatening condition with shaking, hallucinations, and cardiovascular collapse.
What are the risk factors for alcohol withdrawal?
- Heavy and Prolonged Alcohol Use: Continuous usage of alcohol leads to AUD, followed by alcohol withdrawal.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Liver disease, heart problems, or mental health disorders can complicate withdrawal.
- High Alcohol Tolerance: Heavy consumption increases the tolerance level, causing withdrawal symptoms at the time of quitting.
- Previous Withdrawal Episodes: If someone has previous episodes of withdrawal, they may experience the same again.
- Poor Nutrition and Dehydration: Deficiencies, especially in thiamine (Vitamin B1), can worsen symptoms.
Diagnosing Alcohol Withdrawal
While more than half of the people drinking heavily regularly face withdrawal symptoms after abruptly quitting, diagnosing the condition is important. It is recommended to consult the doctors at a renowned rehabilitation center. The process includes:
- Drinking habits, frequency, previous withdrawal episodes assessment.
- Checking physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, tremors, heartbeat, etc.
- Assessing alcohol levels, electrolyte balance, and liver function.
- Evaluating anxiety, depression, or co-occurring disorders and other mental health problems.
Treatments for Alcohol Withdrawal
As alcohol withdrawal symptoms can turn out to be life-threatening, it is important to get relevant treatment as easily as possible. Consulting a medical expert from a rehab center is a better option. Some of the most prevalent treatment process for alcohol withdrawal are:
- Medical Detoxification: Supervised withdrawal in a medical facility to manage symptoms safely.
- Medications: Withdrawal symptoms lead to physical and mental problems like anxiety, high blood pressure, and so on. During the treatment, doctors may prescribe medications like benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, or thiamine.
- Medical supervision: Severe cases may require hospitalization, while mild cases can be managed at home under medical supervision.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and support groups.
Prevention of withdrawal symptoms
- Slowly decrease alcohol intake.
- Consult a doctor before stopping alcohol.
- Use prescribed medications.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Proper hydration to support overall health.
- Regular health checkups to manage alcohol dependence.
- Seek professional help through counselling.
- Identify and avoid triggers to consume alcohol.
- Engage with supportive family members.
