Withdrawal symptoms are very common among individuals who suddenly quit substance abuse. Many individuals with alcohol addiction don’t find the courage to do so due to fear of the withdrawal symptoms that accompany the stoppage. However, withdrawal should not be a cause of fear for people.
Some individuals try to overcome alcohol addiction and find themselves going through nasty withdrawal symptoms. Because of the withdrawal, the individual might decide to return to their drinking ways just to get rid of the terrible phase. Here are some common withdrawal symptoms that are commonly seen by people who overcome alcohol addiction and how to deal with them.
Regularly Seen Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be very nasty and many people do not look favorably on the experience. There are various withdrawal symptoms that someone who just overcame alcohol addiction might come across at an addiction rehab. However, not all individuals face withdrawal when they quit drinking alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms a person exhibits can either be mild or severe, depending on the intake levels of the person beforehand.
If the individual’s alcohol intake is on the high side before quitting, Such a person might find himself suffering from intense withdrawal. The amount of time an individual has been engaging in alcohol intake can also influence their withdrawal symptoms. Some common psychological alcohol withdrawal symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Thinking difficulty
- Rapid mood swings
- Irritability.
Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Body tremors
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
Alcohol withdrawal can occur physically or mentally. These symptoms can sometimes get very severe to a fatal extent. When a person has a high alcohol intake or alcohol addiction, they are more prone to withdrawal symptoms, especially if the individual quits suddenly. For heavy drinkers, it is advisable to seek help from professionals at addiction rehab centers if you want to stop drinking.
Going through the detoxification process while being supervised by professionals can help individuals reduce withdrawal effects to the minimum. In a professional setting, it is much easier to minimize or eliminate the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Hence, when stopping heavy alcohol intake, it is better to seek professional aid.
Ways To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Many individuals find experiencing withdrawal uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there is no sure solution for alcohol withdrawal. However, with the help of addiction rehab centers, the condition can be managed properly so that people going through withdrawal symptoms can have an easier time. Here are some ways to get through withdrawal smoothly.
- Hydrate Regularly
Hydration is a very important process for anyone exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms are accompanied by water loss which causes the body to be more dehydrated than usual. Frequently drinking fluids will help alleviate the alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting especially, require the individual to drink more water to keep the body hydrated. Sports drinks are also a good idea as they help prevent low blood sugar and electrolyte deficiency which are known to worsen the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
- Cool Showers
Cold water baths have a cooling effect on the human mind. It helps to ease the body’s physical and mental state. When someone takes a cold shower, it is usually hard not to focus on the cold water contact with the body. This helps to divert a person’s mind off the withdrawal symptoms they might be having.
Cold showers help recover a cool mental state and help physical condition when exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Effects of withdrawal such as intense sweating, clammy skin, and hot flashes can also be alleviated easily by having a cold shower. This tip can work for almost all withdrawal symptoms.
- Be Ready To Ignore Cravings
Cravings are the worst enemy of individuals trying to quit a habit. This is because cravings tend to get you back to your old habits if you succumb to them. During the withdrawal process, cravings are almost non-avoidable. If you’re experiencing withdrawal, expect to have alcohol cravings.
Once the cravings come, the individual will keep experiencing the urge to consume alcohol. Getting your mind ready to battle such cravings is a crucial step in managing alcohol withdrawal. Cravings are not impossible to beat. All the person has to do is not indulge themself.
Cravings come and go. They usually appear suddenly, then build up before fading away after the sensation peaks. The solution to cravings is time. With enough time the urges will disappear without any extra effort. However, cravings can also occur repetitively so it is better to always be conscious of them.
- Eat Healthy Food
It has been discovered that some people get through the withdrawal process better by keeping healthy diets. Most people facing alcohol withdrawal symptoms tend to have zero appetites and avoid food. This is very harmful and can even worsen the withdrawal condition the person is going through.
Eating proper nutrient-filled meals helps the body revert to its normal condition faster and alleviates withdrawal symptoms. Food like vegetables, fish, eggs, and whole grains particularly are very helpful for the body’s recovery from alcohol withdrawal. It is advisable to avoid sugary snacks and food during this period and stick to healthy foods.
Individuals can also use vitamin supplements to improve their symptoms. The majority of alcohol use disorders are accompanied by vitamin deficiencies. Hence, it is a good idea to take vitamin supplements as well during the withdrawal phase. Examples of these vitamin supplements include vitamin B1 and magnesium.
Exercise
Exercise is helpful for the human body, even when not experiencing alcohol withdrawal. When experiencing withdrawal, engaging in mild exercise activities can help the body recover faster. The exercise activities should not be too intense on the body. It should be mild and conservative instead.
When a person exercises, the body releases hormones called endorphins which are happy hormones. Hence, exercise helps the mind recover quickly while also performing the role of body strengthening. Aerobic exercises are also helpful in reducing the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
Alcohol withdrawalcan be very frightening and a large number of people stick to their drinking habits just to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual suddenly stops their alcohol intake. It has different severity levels, depending on the frequency and amount of alcohol intake.
The heavier a drinker is, the more severe their withdrawal process will likely be. Seeking professional aid helps people overcome alcohol addiction. There are also methods individuals can practice by themselves that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as regular hydration, cold showers, and healthy diets.