Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a range of physical and psychological effects that people experience when they stop drinking alcohol after using it heavily over a long period of time. This can include anything from feeling anxious, restless, and irritable to more severe symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. In most cases, these symptoms start within 12 hours after quitting drinking and can last anywhere from 24-72 hours. For some people who have developed a severe physical dependence on alcohol these symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after quitting drinking. One of the most common withdrawal symptom is insomnia which is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. People may also experience anxiety or restlessness due to their body no longer having access to its regular source of alcohol. As well as this, mood swings can occur as the person’s hormones try to balance out without the presence of alcohol in their system. In extreme cases, people may experience tremors (shaking) or seizures due to the sudden change in their brain chemistry during withdrawal from chronic use of alcohol. In order to prevent serious complications during an episode of alcohol withdrawal it is important that medical help is sought immediately if any signs or symptoms are present. With professional treatment and support it is possible for those affected to get through this difficult process with minimal discomfort and risk of relapse into further heavy drinking in the future.