Are you planning to stop drinking cold turkey? Do you want to do it on your own because your loved ones do not realize how much you drink? If you answered yes to these questions, you need to know that you will probably experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. And the most severe withdrawal symptoms for alcohol can send you to the hospital.
Withdrawal symptoms are collectively known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). They often appear after an abrupt reduction in heavy alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict how severe these symptoms will become. This is why you must understand the withdrawal process, recognize the signs of severe AWS, and know that you never go through withdrawal on your own.
5 Worst Withdrawal Symptoms
The following are some of the worst withdrawal symptoms for alcohol abuse that you may experience as you detox from excessive drinking. They can and will send you to the hospital, so preparing for all scenarios is important.
Insomnia and Anxiety
You may feel a moderate to painful headache within six to twelve hours of your last drink. You will become irritable and anxious and be unable to fall asleep. You will likely find it impossible to stay asleep when you fall asleep. These are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
This is because continued alcohol use disrupts your brain’s sleep-wake cycle, affecting REM sleep. When you suddenly remove alcohol from your daily routine, your nervous system overreacts, leading to anxiety and insomnia.
Insomnia can worsen your anxiety, which can result in a mental health crisis. This warrants a visit to the nearest hospital or a 911 call.
Racing Heart and Elevated Blood Pressure
The withdrawal symptoms for alcohol use will trigger your body’s fight or flight response, releasing adrenaline. When this happens, you will experience the feeling of your heart fluttering or racing in your chest. You may also become dizzy or find your chest tightening.
The faster your heart beats, the more strain is placed on your cardiovascular system. The higher your blood pressure, the greater the risk of serious heart problems.
If you experience these symptoms during the withdrawal period (between 6 and 24 hours after your last drink), ask a loved one to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. You must get to the hospital if your heart rate continues above 100 beats per minute or your blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg.
Sweating, Nausea, and Vomiting
Sweating is a common withdrawal symptom. Your body will sweat excessively as it tries to regulate temperature without alcohol. This is mainly because alcohol interferes with your body’s electrolyte and fluid balance. When you stop drinking, your body tries to rectify this balance, leading to sweating and digestive issues.
If you notice that you are sweating a lot, you must take in sufficient fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. This is especially important if you also experience nausea and vomiting. You must go to the ER if you cannot keep liquids in.
Hallucinations and Tremors
Other withdrawal symptoms of alcohol abuse include vivid hallucinations and tremors. If you experience hallucinations, you will see and hear things that are not there. At the same time, you may experience involuntary shaking in your hands and legs.
Hallucinations happen because of alcohol-induced imbalances in the brain, which causes uncontrolled activity when you no longer consume alcohol.
Hallucinations and tremors, along with delirium tremens and seizures, are the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. They usually happen between 24 to 72 hours after the last drink.
If your hallucinations are exceptionally frightening, or your shaking prevents you from performing normal tasks, a loved one must take you to the hospital.
Seizures and Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Seizures can happen anywhere between 24 to 48 hours after your last drink. These usually happen with delirium tremens, which include a combination of confusion, hallucinations, fever, and sweating. DTs are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
When you consume a lot of alcohol regularly over some time, you aid the disruption of your brain’s neurotransmitter balance. In particular, there is a major disturbance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming chemical. When you stop drinking abruptly, your brain goes into overdrive, which causes seizures and DTs.
These severe symptoms will terrify you and your loved ones who witness them. There is no time to wait in this scenario. If you experience a sudden seizure or become confused, your loved ones must call emergency services immediately.
Preparing for Withdrawal (Before Symptoms)
If you want to stop drinking, you must create a complete crisis plan first. Your family and friends can help you with this.
Firstly, you need to recognize situations that may trigger alcohol cravings and make a plan to avoid them. Draw your loved ones close and confide in them so they can offer practical and emotional support.
Moreover, it is imperative to discuss your withdrawal with a medical professional. If you consume excessive alcohol, you will likely experience one or more severe symptoms. It is advisable to ask for medical supervision and intervention when your symptoms spiral out of control.
Seeking Professional Help
It does not matter how or where you want to complete the withdrawal process. The most important thing is never to do it alone. If you experience feelings of shame or embarrassment and do not want to involve your family or friends, seek help from a professional institution.
Create a Crisis Plan and Get Immediate Help From HARP
Alcohol withdrawal can quickly become a dangerous situation. This is why the HARP facilities have a highly qualified clinical team on hand at all times to assist anyone who wants to overcome alcohol addiction.
HARP’s incredible team comprises nurses, doctors, psychologists, and counsellors. They all follow HARP’s unique and successfully proven 5i Curriculum for withdrawal and to help patients stay sober in the future.
Moreover, HARP promises anonymity if you want it. If not, HARP allows you to stay in contact with your loved ones while you recover. HARP can also assist you in creating a crisis plan before you go through withdrawal.
Create your own Alcohol Crisis Plan today by reaching out to the HARP team, and get the help and support you need to get through the withdrawal process and move on with your life.
