Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that people have when they
suddenly stop drinking after using alcohol for a long time. Some people have
mild shakiness and sweats. Some people hallucinate--they hear and see things
that don't exist. The worst form of withdrawal is called "DTs" (delirium
tremens). DTs can be very serious if not treated by a doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms rarely occur in people who only drink once in a while.
Symptoms usually occur in people who have been drinking heavily for weeks or
months and then suddenly stop drinking. People who have gone through
withdrawal before are more likely to have withdrawal symptoms each time they
quit drinking.
Do people in withdrawal need to see a doctor?
Yes. Your doctor needs to know you're going through withdrawal so he or she
can make sure it doesn't lead to more serious health problems. If you go
through withdrawal a number of times without getting the right treatment, your
symptoms may get worse each time. So even if your withdrawal symptoms don't
seem that bad, it's important to see your doctor. This is especially true for
people who have had a bad withdrawal before and people who have other
illnesses, such as infections, heart disease, lung disease or a history of
seizures.
People who quit using other drugs (such as tobacco, injected drugs or
cocaine) at the same time they stop drinking alcohol might have severe
withdrawal problems. They should see a doctor first.
What can a doctor do to help people in
withdrawal?
A doctor can keep track of your withdrawal symptoms so that more serious
health problems don't develop. He or she can also give emotional support.
Medicines can control the shakiness, anxiety and confusion that come with
alcohol withdrawal. Only a doctor can prescribe these medicines. If you take
the medicines at an early stage of the withdrawal, they may keep your symptoms
from getting worse.
Most people in withdrawal don't need to be hospitalized.
What can family and friends do to help people
going through withdrawal?
It's important for people going through withdrawal to have a quiet, safe
place to stay until the withdrawal is over. The urge to drink again during
withdrawal can be very strong. Some people may put themselves into dangerous
situations. After withdrawal symptoms go away, it's important that the person
join a treatment program or sobriety program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA). Support from family and friends can help a person find success in one of
these programs.
(Rev. August 2000)
This handout provides a general overview on this
topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to
you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family
doctor.Visit familydoctor.org for more useful information on this and many other health-related topics.
Copyright © 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 by the American
Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and
photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission
is required for all other uses, including electronic
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