From a throbbing headache to morning-after anxiety, hangover symptoms are just one of the risks associated with overindulging.
But when drinking too much becomes a habit, those risksand symptomsincrease.
With long-term heavy alcohol intake, your brain adapts to the effects of booze over time.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe.
The first symptomsand maybe the only symptomsyou experience may resemble abad hangover.
These are considered mild, but they can worsen.
She adds that withdrawal can also occur after a significant reduction in alcohol consumption.
As your body detoxes, nausea and vomiting are pretty common symptoms.
You may also experience periods of dry heaving without vomiting.
If severe vomiting is present, you may need to receive IV fluids so you dont become dehydrated.
Tremors often affect the hands but can occur elsewhere in the body as well, according to theU.S.
National Library of Medicine.
This is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent brain damage.
If left untreated, delirium tremens can trigger cardiovascular collapse.
As a result, the organs may fail.
Who is more at risk for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Again, this is why its so important to seek treatment whenstopping alcohol use.
Can I just quit drinking on my own?
For heavy drinkers, quitting cold turkey isnt the safest option.
If you or someone you know wants to stop drinking, its best to do so under medical supervision.
There are a ton oftreatment optionsavailable.
What medications can help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
During alcohol detox, medication can ease your discomfort and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Two alternatives to benzodiazepines include the anti-seizure drugs carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurotonin).
Gabapentin works by increasing levels of GABA in the brain to alleviate symptoms.
Where can I find help for alcohol withdrawal?
When it comes to alcohol withdrawal, dont go at it alone.
Seeking help is the firstand often the hardeststep.
Although you might be tempted to tough out withdrawal symptoms by yourself, its not worth the risk.
For one, even mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable.
And regardless of your history with alcohol, theres always a chance that your symptoms will worsen.
If your symptoms progress, it may be harder for you to seek help.
The more your symptoms progress, the harder they will be to treat.
