If you or someone you care about has a drinking problem, learning how to stop drinking may not be a simple process. Not long after someone quits drinking, they may suffer alcohol withdrawal symptoms. There are ways to recognize these things and deal with them with a bit of humor. Although drinking is certainly no laughing matter, if you approach it from the lighter side, it can sometimes be easier to deal with.
My father was an alcoholic. He was able to stop drinking because of stroke, fortunately he recovered without any difficulties and didn’t suffered severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol aside from depression which did not last long. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may vary to each individual and it will also depend on how long the person has been drinking. The following outlined withdrawal symptoms below are the most common side effects. Although not all are life threatening but the moment things become serious, you must seek medical assistance immediately.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Below you will find a list of common alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms. Like I previously mentioned, they may or may not be serious or life threatening. But the longer the alcoholic has been exposed to this addiction, the more these signs and symptoms become complicated.
- Anxiousness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Euphoria
- Fear
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Hallucinations
- Headaches and Migraines
- Heart Palpitations
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Insomnia
- Irritability (Mood Swings)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Panic Attacks
- Restlessness
- Seizures and death
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Weakness
Control Your Cravings
The foremost withdrawal symptom you will feel of course is cravings; you may go through very intense cravings for a drink. These cravings can sometimes be difficult to deal with, as they can be physical as well as mental. A good way to deal with these issues is to distract yourself. In other words, do something that will take your mind off the cravings, until they pass.
In most cases, try not to pick a fight with your spouse, to distract yourself from cravings. The added stress may actually increase cravings. Not only that, men may sometimes develop a nasty headache (that can come from a well placed skillet or thrown object).
Exercise can be a very good way to deal with the stress that comes from cravings. You might go outside and decide to start walking. If you are in good enough shape to run, this can be a very good way to distract yourself. Make yourself so tired that you do not have the energy to drive to a liquor store.
Sometimes you have to find the motivation to run or jog fast. Here is where picking a fight with your spouse may actually be beneficial. You might try saying something really nasty to your significant other and then walk out the door. When you have a spouse with a nasty temper, you may find yourself running and hitting the road in no time (LOL).
Serious Health Issues After Quitting Drinking
Thousands of people who have drinking problems and who are considered alcoholics have quit successfully on their own without any medical assistance. These people have been treated normally on their own initiative and from the support of their loved ones, friends, peers, and groups like AA. Others have utilized books, information from the Internet, Websites, Forums, Blogs, exercise, therapies, etc. But if you or someone whom you know is suffering from any serious health illnesses or severe depression after quitting drinking, please do seek medical assistance.
When you have been drinking for years and you suddenly stop, it can be a serious health hazard. Always seek medical care, when quitting after many years of abuse. Your body and liver may go into shock, and you will need medical care for a while. Here are signs that you should look for.
You might suffer with shakiness and anxiety. You could feel physically ill and very sick to your stomach. You might sweat a great deal and you could have difficulty sleeping and may exhibit mood swings. Depression may also develop so it is best that you go out with friends or loved ones or you may start joining groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Another thing to watch out is blood pressure. Once a person has been drinking for a period of time and then suddenly stops, his blood pressure will rise. Because of this, it is advised to seek medical assistance especially if the person who wants to quit drinking have been abusing alcohol for years and may have health problems.
Other signs of something serious are hallucinations, nightmares and developing a state of confusion or panic. You could have a fit similar to a seizure, in some cases. When these things happen, you should seek medical help as soon as possible, as it can be a life threatening situation. A good rule of thumb is, if you do not feel right, talk to a medical professional.
Summary in Dealing with Withdrawal Symptoms
Sometimes a bit of humor may help you get through those cravings for a drink. However, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are no laughing matter. You could feel physically sick and be very shaky and anxious. You also may break into a sweat and develop insomnia. If you have problems like seizures or hallucinations, you need to seek emergency medical care, as soon as possible. It is not easy to quit drinking, and you may need to do everything that you can, to pull yourself through it.
Don’t be afraid of these symptoms, they will not last forever. You need to persist in order to succeed. And as soon as your body recovers you will enjoy life as you used to be before you started drinking. Don’t doubt what you are going to to do, you are doing the right thing, stop alcohol abuse today!
Everything is not too late – everything is not yet lost. Regain back your life’s freedom. Start building your self-confidence and self-esteem.
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