18 Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Anxiety
- Trembling hands
- Sweating or cold, clammy skin
- Low Appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
- Visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens
- Depression
Quitting Alcohol Addiction
Strategies to Quit Alcohol Addiction
- Make a commitment to quit: Decide that you will no longer drink alcohol, set a timeline and stick to it.
- Create a plan: Develop a plan to manage cravings and triggers, including healthy activities to engage in when the urge strikes.
- Find social support: Surround yourself with positive people who understand and support your efforts to quit drinking.
- Identify possible triggers: Make a list of things that you know may cause you to reach for a drink and work on avoiding or managing them.
- Reduce stress: Stress can be a major factor in alcoholism, so engage in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Seek professional help: If you need more help to manage withdrawals, get help from a professional such as a therapist.
Treatment Strategies for Alcoholism
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to help manage cravings, reduce the effects of withdrawals, and treat any co-occurring disorders.
- Counseling: Counseling sessions may be used to help the person understand their addiction, identify triggers and develop skills to manage cravings.
- Group therapy: Group therapy is beneficial because it provides a supportive environment and an opportunity to interact with other people in recovery.
- Family therapy: Family therapy is a great way to help loved ones understand the addiction and how to support the person in recovery.
- 12-step programs: These programs rely on group meetings to provide support, structure, and accountability.
- Relapse prevention: Relapse prevention strategies can help an individual stay on track with their recovery and identify potential relapse triggers.