Alcohol Withdrawal
Definition
Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol.
Alternative Names
Detoxification - alcohol; Detox - alcohol
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Alcohol withdrawal occurs most often in adults, but it may occur in teenagers or children.
The more you drink every day, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
You may have more severe withdrawal symptoms if you have certain other medical problems.
References
O’Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.
In the clinic. Alcohol use. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Mar 3;150(5).
Schuckit MA. Alcohol-use disorders. Lancet. 2009;373:492-501.
Review Date: 3/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Detoxification - alcohol; Detox - alcohol
Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms get worse in 48 - 72 hours, and may persist for weeks.
Common symptoms include:
Other symptoms may include:
A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause:
For more information on this severe form of alcohol withdrawal, see: Delirium tremens.
Signs and tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may reveal:
Blood and urine tests, including a toxicology screen, may be done.
References
O’Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.
In the clinic. Alcohol use. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Mar 3;150(5).
Schuckit MA. Alcohol-use disorders. Lancet. 2009;373:492-501.
Review Date: 3/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Detoxification - alcohol; Detox - alcohol
Treatment
The goal of treatment includes:
- Reducing withdrawal symptoms
- Prevent complications,
- Therapy to get you to stop drinking (abstinence)
INPATIENT TREATMENT
People with moderate-to-severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may need inpatient treatment at a hospital or other facility that treats alcohol withdrawal. 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 of different chemicals in the body
- Fluids or medications through a vein (by IV)
- Sedation using medication called benzodiazepines until withdrawal is complete
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
If you have mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you can often be treated in an outpatient setting. You will need someone to commit to staying with you during this process,k and who can keep an eye on you. Daily visits to your health care provider are needed until you are stable.
Treatment usually includes:
- Sedative drugs to help ease withdrawal symptoms
- Routine blood tests
- Patient and family counseling to discuss the long-term issue of alcoholism. See: Alcoholism
- Testing and treatment for other medical problems linked to alcohol use
It is important that the patient goes to a living situation that helps support them in staying sober. Some areas have housing options that provide a supportive environment for those trying to stay sober.
Permanent and life-long abstinence from alcohol is the best treatment for those who have gone through withdrawal.
Support Groups
See: Alcoholism support group
Expectations (prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the amount of organ damage and whether the person can stop drinking completely. Alcohol withdrawal may range from a mild and uncomfortable disorder to a serious, life-threatening condition.
Symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid changes in mood, and fatigue may last for months. People who continue to drink a lot may develop health problems such as liver and heart disease.
Most people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery. However, death is possible, especially if delirium tremens occurs.
Calling your health care provider
Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that may rapidly become life threatening.
Call your health care provider or go the emergency room if you think you might be in alcohol withdrawal, especially if you were using alcohol often and recently stopped. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms persist after treatment.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heartbeats occur.
References
O’Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.
In the clinic. Alcohol use. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Mar 3;150(5).
Schuckit MA. Alcohol-use disorders. Lancet. 2009;373:492-501.
Review Date: 3/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Detoxification - alcohol; Detox - alcohol
Prevention
Reduce or avoid alcohol. If you have alcoholism, you should stop drinking completely.
References
O’Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.
In the clinic. Alcohol use. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Mar 3;150(5).
Schuckit MA. Alcohol-use disorders. Lancet. 2009;373:492-501.
Review Date: 3/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 3/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.