Alcohol Withdrawal

Photo: Photobucket open source

Alcohol is a drug that depresses the brain. Initially drinking might give some relief from anxiety or help us forget our problems, or if we are shy, help us interact better socially. However, drinking too much can have the opposite effect, causing or aggravating depression. Losing one’s inhibitions can also lead to problems. Driving under the influence is one of the number one causes of road accidents and drunken individuals are more likely to be involved in other forms of anti-social or violent behaviour.

Drinking can increase desire and enhance enjoyment of sex, but in addition to the hangover, you might wake up regretting your choice of partner or worse still having taken risks that could lead to unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. Drinking can also lead to impotency in men.

While drinking initially makes you tolerant and good-humoured in certain individuals it can make people argumentative or even violent. Alcoholism can lead to behaviour that causes marriage breakdowns or loss of friendships.

Good versus Bad Dietory Effects

It is now believed that drinking moderately can help protect against heart disease, as it reduces bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol levels. It is usually recommended to drink a glass or red wine with your meal as this also contains antioxidants. However, you should not drink more than two glasses per day.

If you are watching your weight, it is also a good idea to cut down on your intake, as all these beverages are very fattening, containing loads of calories and virtually no nutrients.

If you are cutting down on your intake in order to age well, remember than drinking has a negative impact on your complexion, often leading to Rosaica. It is also very calorforific and, if you are trying to lose weight, it can sabotage your plans to do so.

Try and identify what triggers your desire to drink and avoid or learn how to deal with these in an alternative manner. Set yourself a limit each week and stick to it. Don't be shy about saying no and asking for an alternative. Try spritzers - if you are offered white wine, dilute it with sparkling water for a refreshing change.

As with other types of substance abuse, you can become psychologically and physically dependent. Alcoholism is a serious health problem, which can wreak havock with the body.

Drinking to access can cause alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure or heart problems. It could eventually lead to liver problems such as cirrhosis of the liver and many difference forms of cancer in the digestive system.

If you find that you are becoming dependent, it is very important to seek medical help, as this is a problem that it is difficult to control on your own.

Although it is imperative to have the will to stop, the help of a therepist and support from family and friends is essential for success.

If you have been drinking a lot of alcohol and decide to stop abruptly, you will probably experience symptoms within five to ten hours after your last drink that will worsen in two to six days and might last several weeks. Common symptoms sweating, clammy skin, fatigue, not being able to think clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, night mares, mood swings, shaking nervousness, irritability and may develop into anxiety or depression.

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause agitation, severe confusion, fever or seizures.

If consulted, a health care professional will look for signs such as abnormal eye movements and heart rhythms, dehydration and rapid breathing and may decide to hospitalize you for observation if you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. You will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.

Treatment may include monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and blood levels, intravenous injections of fluids and/or medication and sedative drugs to help you cope with the worst withdrawal symptoms.

If you have mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you can often be treated as an outpatient but will still need support during the process and you will still need regular blood tests. You may be offered sedative drugs to help cope with the symptoms and counseling and testing for medical problems linked to alcohol use.

Prognosis

Like many addictions, recovering from alcoholism or a less serious dependence on alcohol is a lifelong struggle, requiring a life-long commitment.

Many people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery, however the effects of drinking and many of the symptoms associated with the withdrawal could last for some time.

Total life-long abstinence is the best option for those who have gone through withdrawal successfully and support groups may help keep you on your teetotaler regime.