Alcohol use disorder affects millions worldwide, and those struggling with alcohol use experience tolerance and dependence on the substance such that they are held in this vicious cycle of addiction. When these individuals decide to cut down on their drinking or to stop drinking altogether, it can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
At Liberty Home, we welcome you to learn more about this condition and find ways to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), close to 4 per cent of people worldwide live with alcohol dependence. Over time, alcohol becomes an essential factor to function, which enforces this dependence. If you have become dependent on alcohol, it is best to seek help to manage your drinking and learn ways how to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms when the need arises.
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol is a known central nervous system depressant, and with prolonged use, your body becomes dependent on it. When alcohol exerts its effects on the brain, which means that it blocks or inhibits the excitatory portion of the brain, it further increases inhibitory activity.
This inhibition is removed when intake is reduced or abruptly stopped, leading to an overexcited nervous system. The chemical imbalance in the brain throws the body into overdrive, leading to alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
AWS is characterised by the presence of tremors, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, excessive sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. These withdrawal symptoms appear within hours after attempting to reduce alcohol intake or suddenly stopping drinking and peak in about 72 hours after the last dose of alcohol.
Depending on the amount and length of time you have been drinking, the severity of symptoms may vary. In some cases, withdrawal seizures can occur, especially if the individual already has a previous history of a severe case of withdrawal.
Moreover, other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include hallucinations (auditory, visual, or tactile) and altered mental status, which is part of the alcohol withdrawal delirium, more commonly referred to as Delirium Tremens (DT). This is a serious condition that is life-threatening and could lead to heart problems and coma.
10 Practical Tips That Help Ease Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
As your body readjusts to the absence of alcohol to function, you may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While medications and therapy are the primary management to reduce these withdrawal symptoms, here are some suggestions that can help you go through alcohol withdrawal.
Stay Hydrated
Optimum hydration ensures that your body can flush out toxins during recovery. The body also needs enough fluids to transport necessary nutrients throughout the body. Remember that you’re not limited to only water; natural fruit juices, electrolytes, sports drinks, and other non-caffeinated options can be just as good. Just be mindful of the sugar content of these drinks.
Eat Balanced Meals
A balanced diet of fruits and vegetables improves gut health and even mood swings. Eating right also helps boost your immunity and aids in recovery. Moreover, bloating and lethargy can be reduced by eating at the right time and avoiding overeating. The role of nutrition is crucial in AWS because of nutrient deficiencies associated with it.
Exercise
Exercise has been proven by studies to improve withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse. Regularly engaging in physical activities boosts endorphins, also called the “happy hormones”, which help improve mood and anxiety and reduce discomfort. Exercise is also a great outlet to offload your pent-up stress and emotions.
Don’t Go Through Withdrawal Alone
The withdrawal phase can be unpredictable and, without proper medical support, can have potential risks and complications. It’s important to seek medical advice when you’ve decided to stop drinking so that you can be advised appropriately by your healthcare provider on how to navigate this phase safely.
Avoid Your Drinking Buddies
It is best to avoid spending time with your so-called “drinking buddies”. These people can significantly increase the temptation to drink and, hence, increase the chances of relapse. Withdrawal is difficult as it is, and being around them can make it harder for you to resist the urge to drink. Some may not even understand the severity of alcohol addiction and could unknowingly enable drinking behaviour.
Meditate
Forms of meditation such as yoga, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, tai chi, and zen meditation can help clear your mind, release tension, and help alleviate stress. Meditation enhances self-awareness, which aids in identifying your triggers for addiction and develops mental fortitude to help change unhealthy habits contributing to alcohol abuse.
Listen to Music
Music therapy is one of the most relaxing ways to cope with alcohol withdrawal. It promotes relaxation by improving emotional regulation and reducing stress. Listening to music at bedtime can also help you sleep better. Music therapy, when utilised together with other standard therapies, can help enhance motivation for treatment and curb cravings as well.
Pamper Yourself
Indulging in a body massage to relieve those sore muscles or simply treating yourself with a long, hot bath can be relaxing and help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Spend time with nature or watch a movie; do things that bring peace and relaxation, and do not feel guilty about pampering yourself.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep difficulties are common during withdrawal, and your doctor may prescribe you sleep aids to help you sleep better. Having enough sleep is essential during this period to improve your overall sense of well-being. Studies even show that better sleep reduces cravings and aids in recovery from all forms of substance use.
Reconnect With Your Passions
Engaging in a new hobby or rekindling an old one can be a healthy distraction. This can be through reading books, puzzles, music, tabletop gaming, arts and crafts, etc. Hobbies can be a great creative outlet for you. A dose of clean fun alone or shared with others can bring out a sense of accomplishment and belongingness, which can alleviate stress during withdrawal.
Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can cause extreme discomfort and can be distressing. Severe symptoms or complications may also arise, and immediate medical attention may be needed. There are ways to help manage these symptoms, and these include the following:
Medications
You may be prescribed by your doctor medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, anticonvulsants (Gabapentin), and benzodiazepines. The goal of these medications is to reduce your cravings for alcohol and to prevent the development of complications. Disulfiram is another medication used in AWS with a unique property; it deters drinking alcohol by producing extreme discomfort when taken with the substance.
Supportive Treatment
Most individuals who are undergoing AWS have nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances. These problems can be addressed with intravenous hydration and supplementation with thiamine and folate. Thiamine supplementation can also prevent the occurrence of more complications. Moreover, proper nutritional support should be ensured for all individuals with AWS.
Therapy
There is an increased chance of relapse during the withdrawal phase without the proper treatment programmes such as talking therapies and other behavioural therapies. These are designed to help you identify problematic thoughts and reframe your thinking. You will learn healthier ways to cope and gain reliable support for lasting recovery.
Getting Professional Help for Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can be quite overwhelming, but support is available. At Liberty Home, we ensure you get the help you need.
We are dedicated to helping improve the quality of your life with our professional medical services and evidence-based treatment programmes.
There are healthier and more effective ways to cope with stress and life’s problems than turning to substance abuse. Talk to us today, and let us know how we can help you.
