Alcohol Withdrawal

What is alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is a physical or mental sickness that happens when you drink alcohol daily and suddenly stop drinking. Withdrawal may also happen if you suddenly reduce the amount of alcohol that you normally drink.

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal normally start 4 to 24 hours after you stop drinking. The symptoms may be mild at first, and get worse as your body goes through the detoxification process. Detoxification means your body is working to remove the alcohol. Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are often called delirium tremens (DTs) and usually occur 3 to 4 days after you stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. You may have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Seizures 24 hours to 1 week after your last drink
  
  
• Confusion and trouble remembering
  
  
• Fever, sweating, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat
  
  
• Hallucinations (you see, hear, feel, or taste things that are not real)
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  
• Nervousness and agitation
  
  
• Poor sleep, restlessness, or nightmares

How is alcohol withdrawal diagnosed?

• Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to test for the amount of alcohol in your body. It can also show if you have decreased levels of vitamins and electrolytes (body salts). Blood tests can also show if you have damage to organs, such as your liver or pancreas.
  
  
• Urine sample: A sample of your urine may be collected and sent to a lab to test for alcohol.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection, such as pneumonia.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This test is also called an EKG or ECG. Sticky pads are placed on your skin to record your heart's electrical activity. An EKG gives information about how your heart is working. Lie as still as possible during the test.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.

How is alcohol withdrawal treated?

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Sedative: This medicine is given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
    
    
  • Anticonvulsant medicine: This medicine is given to control seizures. Take this medicine exactly as directed.
    
    
  • Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
    
    
  • Glucose: This medicine may be given to increase the amount of sugar in your blood.
    
    
  • Vitamin supplement: You may be given vitamin supplements, because alcohol can make it hard for your body to absorb enough vitamins. They may also be given to prevent alcohol-related brain damage.
  
  
• Breathing support: You may need the following if you cannot breathe well on your own:
  
  
  • Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
    
    
  • Ventilator: This is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your airway through your mouth or nose. You may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is an airway tube put into an incision (cut) in the front of your neck. The ET tube or trach is attached to the ventilator.

Where can I find support and more information?

• Alcoholics Anonymous
  Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.
  

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• You keep drinking to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
  
  
• You need help to stop drinking alcohol.
  
  
• You have trouble with work or school because you drink too much alcohol.
  
  
• You get into fights because of alcohol.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 or your local emergency number if:

• You have sudden chest pains or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You pass out or think you had a seizure.
  
  
• You feel sad or angry enough to harm yourself or others.
  
  
• You hallucinate.
  
  
• You cannot stop vomiting, or you vomit blood.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Alcohol Withdrawal