Understanding Healthcare
If you drink a lot of alcohol most of the time and then suddenly stop or severely cut back how much
If you drink a lot of alcohol most of the time and then suddenly stop or severely cut back how muchyou drink, you may experience emotional and physical problems. This is normal. And it’s calledwithdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms happen during detoxification or detox. Detox is how alcohol orother drugs clear from your body.J ust so you know, alcohol withdrawal is different from a hangover. Hangovers last a few hours afterthe last drink. And they stop soon after. ithdrawal symptoms may start a few hours after you stop drinking or after you’ve suddenly cut backWhow much you drink. Or they may not start until a few days after the last drink of alcohol. Withdrawalsymptoms vary and can last up to a week or longer .Alcohol withdrawal is a normal part of recovering and healing.If you’re having withdrawal symptoms, before you stop drinking alcohol, talk to your doctor. It'simportant to tell your doctor exactly how much you have been drinking. Your doctor can help youdecide what you may need during detox such as medicines or to go to a medical center. hinking about stopping may be stressful. To reduce anxiety, it may help to know what to expectTduring treatment. ild withdrawal symptoms include headache,vomiting, nausea, sweating, intense worry, andMdisturbed sleep. People with mild withdrawal symptoms may be able to stop drinking withoutmedicines. ut people who drink a lot may have more severe symptoms. More severe withdrawal symptomsBinclude: belly pain, shaking, confusion, feeling upset and cranky, and being short of breath or havingpain in your chest. Other symptoms may include seizures, trembling and feeling things or seeing orhearing things that aren’t there.Severe alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. That’s why you may need medical and supportive care. our healthcare team will understand what you're going through. And they will know how to helpYease your symptoms with treatments such as medicine, therapy or counseling, and other support. hether you detox at home or in a medical center, you may get medicine to treat alcohol withdrawalWsymptoms. There's also medicine that can help you avoid alcohol while you recover. lcohol withdrawal symptoms do stop. And when they do, you will be able to start the next part ofAyour life. ost people who have gone through withdrawal may tell you: “don't go it alone.” It can make aMpositive difference when you spend time with people who support positive changes you are making in© The Wellness NetworkPage1of2y our life. This includes asking for advice and help from people who have stopped drinking. You mightalso try support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.And you can look for a counselor who has experience helping people with alcohol use disorder.It’s not easy and every day may have challenges, so be kind to yourself. And know that alcoholwithdrawal is how you heal and recover. ith time, treatment and support, you will feel better so that you can take the next steps to gettingWyour life back.© The Wellness NetworkPage2of2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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