Alcohol Withdrawal
No matter how widely consumed and accepted in society, alcohol is still a drug. This fact becomes fairly evident when heavy drinkers experience alcohol withdrawal when they suddenly decide to quit. Never a pleasant experience, withdrawal can range from physically annoying to severe and painful symptoms. It’s obvious that drinking heavily can lead to dependency but what is not apparent is that even drinking lightly, every day, can lead to addiction. Quitting “cold turkey” is the hardest and possibly the most dangerous route to take. Since every body is different, there is no set standard as to how a body will react to a sudden denial of a substance it has learned to crave. The shakes, the sweats, nausea, anxiety, headache, and an increase in blood pressure are only the mild effects of alcohol withdrawal. Hangovers of every kind are considered alcohol withdrawal and the “morning after” is often a result of withdrawal. Hangover symptoms can include headache, upset stomach, and dehydration. Contrary to popular belief, hangovers cannot be cured by medicine or more alcohol. Time and water can help lessen the effects but there is no “cure.” Quitting can be dangerous if done alone. Around 6 to 48 hours of abstinence, hallucinations, convulsions, and seizures can occur. Delirium tremens, or DT’s, may occur after 3 to 5 days hours after abstaining from drinking. Dangerously excessive seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and even death can occur during the DT’s. Therefore, it is important for those who are alcoholics to obtain the correct treatment. This step can help avoid the fatality and self injury.