The decision to stop drinking alcohol is a great one to make, especially when excessive use of the substance has made a negative impact on your life. However, alcohol withdrawal can make quitting drinking difficult and unpleasant. Here’s what you need to know about overcoming withdrawal and succeeding in sobriety:
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
There are many symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and they vary from person to person. Some of the most common include:
- Headache
- Nausea and upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Vision distortion or disturbance
- Sweatiness or clamminess, especially of the hands, feet, and face
- Involuntary or excessive movement
- Feeling shaky or jittery
- Anxiety, depression, both, or worsening symptoms of either if already present
- Night terrors
- Irritability
- Inability to think clearly
There are many other potential symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, as the experience is unique to each sufferer. Symptoms do generally decrease over time, but some can last for days, weeks, or even months after quitting drinking.
The discomfort caused by these symptoms is why support during withdrawal is so important for achieving sobriety success.
Coping with Withdrawal
Dealing with withdrawal can be very difficult. This is one of the main reasons so many people struggle to get sober. Detox is just too uncomfortable.
Thankfully, there are many approaches to overcome alcohol withdrawal. These range from medical methods such as prescription medication or hospitalization to therapeutic approaches and holistic methods. What works for each individual will vary, but there are many options available – all designed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and make the process easier on those dealing with it.
For more Broward County alcohol withdrawal resources, contact your local addiction specialist or resource center. The staff at these centers are trained to help you understand and cope with withdrawal, so you can find success in sobriety. Don’t let the fear of withdrawal prevent you from achieving your goals any longer. Talk to a professional today to learn more about your options.
