Helping a loved one going through alcohol withdrawal can be difficult because it requires a lot of work and may fail the first time. However, it’s important to be understanding and make them feel they’re not alone. Learning more about what they’re experiencing can help you support them through this ordeal. This article covers the stages of alcohol withdrawal and how you can take an active role in the recovery process.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal, and What Causes It?
After long-term alcohol intake, a person may experience a range of symptoms if they stop drinking or drastically cut back. This condition is known as alcohol withdrawal or alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It usually affects those who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the most prevalent substance disorder in the US and affects 28.8 million adults.
Not everyone who stops alcohol consumption suffers from withdrawal. It usually depends on several factors, like how long they’ve been drinking and how much, as well as how suddenly they stopped.
Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms the Same for Everyone?
Someone whose body readjusts to a life without alcohol or a significantly reduced consumption may suffer from withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Jumpiness or shakiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Tremors
- Upset stomach
- Irregular heartbeat
The degree of alcohol withdrawal varies amongst individuals based on different factors like the level of physiological alcohol dependence and medical problems. Those with severe forms of alcohol withdrawal may show symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Seizures
- Agitation
The onset of alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually happens eight hours after the last drink, but they can also occur days later. The symptoms can last weeks but typically peak within 24 to 72 hours. However, some symptoms, like fatigue, sudden mood swings, and irregular sleep patterns, can last for months.
First Withdrawal Stage
This stage usually occurs within the first 6 to 12 hours of quitting. Symptoms at this phase are usually mild and uncomfortable, such as:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Hand tremors
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
After going through this stage of withdrawal, many people who don’t have a severe alcohol dependency can recover. A supportive environment will most likely be all that your loved ones need to get through this, unless they have a serious medical condition or have experienced serious withdrawals in the past.
However, if your loved ones are going through this stage, it is still important to seek medical help. That’s because it’s hard to foresee initially how much worse the symptoms might get. The doctor can also recommend the most effective type of care for them.
Second Stage
This stage occurs after 12 to 48 hours of last alcohol consumption and usually peaks around 24 to 72 hours. Symptoms start to get more serious with the inclusion of:
- Mild Hyperthermia
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
- Disorientation
- Rapid abnormal breathing
- Insomnia
These symptoms might appear on top of the other symptoms from stage one withdrawal, even though some of them may have subsided or intensified.
It’s unlikely that your loved ones will experience any serious symptoms if, after 48 hours, they haven’t. However, alcohol withdrawal seizures can still occur later, and if this happens, it’s critical to get medical attention immediately. For this reason, be on the lookout for your loved one during this stage, as things might only look better on the surface.
Third Stage
After 48 to 72 hours, most symptoms would have already peaked and begun to level off or resolve, except for the more protracted symptoms that may stick around for weeks or longer.
However, this is not the case for those suffering from the third stage, which is severe withdrawal. The third stage, within the 48 to 72 hour time frame, is critical because it’s when delirium tremens (DTs) symptoms usually manifest. It is a rare condition, and only around 5% of alcohol withdrawal patients experience DTs symptoms, which include:
- Seizure
- Impaired consciousness
- Severe autonomic hyperactivity (nausea, tachycardia, sweating, vomiting, trembling)
- Agitation, irritability, or aggression
- Severe confusion
- Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
It’s important to note the condition of your loved ones before the withdrawal treatment. Doing so should help you recognize major risk factors that could lead to the development of delirium tremens.
For instance, are they old and in poor general health? Perhaps they have underlying medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart, liver, or brain. Did they previously experience episodes of alcohol withdrawal, or did they drink more alcohol before the treatment?
These are some of the signs to watch out for, which, if met, indicate that getting medical help before beginning a detox is mandatory and not optional. Since DTs is a medical emergency, your loved ones will probably need to be admitted to a hospital so that doctors can provide them with medication and round-the-clock supervision.
How a Loved One Can Help at Each Stage
Alcohol withdrawal can be very trying and emotional. That’s why friends and family are crucial in supporting someone during this tumultuous time. There are plenty of ways you can help your loved ones overcome their alcohol dependence and live a better life.
Encourage Communication
The person going through detoxification must have honest and open communication with their support systems (you). Support your loved one by making them feel free to communicate their thoughts, worries, and anxieties during detox. Accompany them to support group gatherings to reaffirm the importance of their rehabilitation endeavours.
Help Them Take Care of Themselves
Enough sleep and exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can help lessen withdrawal symptoms. So, consider assisting them with grocery shopping, cooking, tidying, and other chores. If they seem malnourished and don’t have an appetite, you could give them a multivitamin or encourage them to sip an electrolyte-rich beverage, like a sports drink. Remind them to take their prescription drugs exactly as prescribed.
Establish a Nurturing Atmosphere
Eliminate temptations and triggers from the premises to give them a fresh start on their recovery journey. Add components that encourage peace of mind or join them in calming activities like meditation.
Connect Your Loved One With Medical Professionals
Discourage them from attempting to detox on their own. The most qualified person to assess the degree of assistance required for proper withdrawal management is a physician or other health care provider.
Understand and familiarize yourself with the difficulties associated with the detox process. Reading this article is just the beginning; you can do more. Research and educate yourself on the many approaches and techniques that can help with detoxification.
Get Professional Medical Care at HARP
Receiving medical supervision is the safest and most effective method for recovering from alcohol abuse. HARP offers you all the assistance you need to help your loved ones get back on their feet with an alcohol-free lifestyle. We believe that loved ones can be a great support to the patient. That’s why our approach is to involve family and friends throughout the process rather than cutting them out.
Severe alcohol withdrawal stages and how loved ones can be involved at the treatment centre.
