Alcohol Withdrawal
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.
Alcohol withdrawal is a group of symptoms that occur when you drink alcohol daily and suddenly stop. It can begin within 5 hours of your last drink and get worse over 2 to 3 days. Withdrawal may also happen if you suddenly reduce the amount of alcohol that you normally drink.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
A psychiatric assessment
can help healthcare providers find the best treatment for you. You may be asked about past trauma or abuse, or if you have seen other people being harmed. Tell providers if you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others. You may be asked about alcohol or drug use. Tell providers if you have people in your life who support you.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
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 healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
Medicines:
- Sedatives may be given to calm you and help manage your symptoms.
- Anticonvulsant medicine may be given to control seizures.
- Vitamin supplements such as thiamine (vitamin B1) may be given. High alcohol intake can keep your body from absorbing enough vitamins from food.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Monitoring:
A neurologic exam is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show healthcare providers how well your brain works during alcohol withdrawal. Healthcare providers will check how your pupils react to light. They may check your memory, balance, and hand grasp.
Tests:
Blood or urine tests may be needed to check the amount of alcohol in your body. The tests can also show if you have low levels of vitamins and electrolytes, or organ damage. The liver and pancreas are commonly damaged by alcohol.
RISKS:
You may act out violently when you go through alcohol withdrawal. You may harm yourself and others. You can have high fevers, abnormal heartbeats, and hallucinations. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
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 healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.