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Severe Alcohol Withdrawal

Major withdrawal symptoms usually appear 2-3 days after the last drink and can include delirium tremens (DT’s). Symptoms of DT’s include elevation in heart rate, blood pressure and temperature noted above with the addition of confusion, disorientation, agitation, visual and auditory hallucinations and seizures. These symptoms usually last for 3-5 days but can be of longer duration (Kneisl, 2009). Major alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Read More...

Minor Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Kneisel (2009) identifies minor symptoms as anxiety, agitation and irritability. These symptoms progress to include tremor, elevated blood pressure and elevated heart rate, low grade fever, headache and sweating. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be present. There may be sleep disturbance and nightmares. The symptoms of minor withdrawal may be experienced for 48-72 hours and can be prevented from progressing to major withdrawal with treatment. Read More...

Alcohol Withdrawal – An Overview

Alcohol is a drug that has a depressant or slowing effect on the brain. When alcohol is withdrawn after habitual use, the opposite occurs and the brain becomes excitable. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal reflect this excitability, for example tremors, irritability, and seizures. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can occur from 6-72 hours after the last drink. Withdrawal symptoms are categorized by most references as minor symptoms which occur 6-12 hours after the alcoholic’s last drink and major symptoms which occur 24-72 hours after the last drink. Read More...