Breaking the habit: what are the 3 stages of alcohol withdrawal?

taking a glass of beer

Alcoholism is a serious health crisis that has plagued many nations of the world. Today, alcohol is the most abused drug substance in the world with Governments spending billions of dollars on an annual basis on treatments. There are basically three stages of alcohol withdrawal, these are; The Mild, Moderate and “Delirium Tremens”.

Each stage is characterized by different and similar symptoms. The time lapse for each stage of withdrawal also varies and the severity along with complications of the stages differ. It is advisable to get help as soon as you discover that you are suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Stage 1: The Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Stage

This stage begins some 8 hours after the last alcoholic drink. It is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, insomnia, anxiety and abdominal pain. The inpatient treatment recommended for people suffering from mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms is relatively easy and natural.

In most cases, water intake is increased to re-hydrate the patient. Re-hydration can speed up the recovery of the patient. Sometimes, induced vomiting can also be applied to help the patient get better quickly.

Alcohol withdrawal is caused by many factors. Alcohol is broken down by designated enzymes in the liver and that is how the substance is eliminated through urine from the body. Moderate consumption can improve a sense of relaxation and great feel in the brain, however excess alcohol consumption will lead to primary issues such as slurred speech, memory lapses, and difficulty in walking.

Chronic drinking, especially on a long-term basis can eventually affect your body’s tolerance, because it will crave for more, in order to induce the same “happy feelings”.

Alcohol is known to suppress certain neurotransmitters connected to the brain, making you feel at ease but when the alcohol subsides from the system and the neurotransmitters are no longer inhibited, the primary or mild withdrawal symptoms will start showing up.

Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms are actually signs that your body is beginning to heal from excessive consumption of the substance over a long period of time. It is very important to seek medical attention immediately you notice them.

Since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal at this stage are not as severe as the second and third phases of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, many patients may recover quickly at this stage without the need for serious treatment therapies.

Many patients may become addicted to alcohol despite witnessing symptoms of early alcohol withdrawal symptoms and they end up having to deal with moderate and advanced symptoms.

Stage 2: The Moderate Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Stage

The is the secondary stage of alcohol withdrawal syndrome that occurs some 24-72 hours after ingesting excess alcohol in the body. This stage is characterized by increased body temperature, high blood pressure, increased in heartbeats, and…
 
Continue reading the article about alcohol withdrawal on Life Is An Episode website.
 
 

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