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Alcohol depresses the central nervous system rather like a tranquiliser does. Your nervous system has to work harder to counteract its effects. When the alcohol levels fall to zero the nervous system, which has got used to working so much harder, suddenly has less to push against and appears to be overactive. This over – activity of the nervous system is what leads to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms vary greatly in different individuals. Some get no symptoms while others may experience.
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness, particularly in the hands
- Irritability and restlessness
- General feeling of anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea vomiting and/or loss of appetite
About 1% of people with alcohol dependence get more severe withdrawals of fits, hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs). If you have not had these before and as you will be receiving a medically supervised detox this is highly unlikely.
What medication will be given?
You will be given benzodiazepine medications which are very effective at preventing withdrawal symptoms, you will only need these for a limited period and there administration will be supervised by your 1-1 detox clinical nurse specialist who will continuously assess you for withdrawals. You may also be given vitamin tablets or injections to help restore depleted stocks of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
You will also receive medications to help with any specific withdrawal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
What to expect
You may experience some mild withdrawals even on the medication, however things will improve each day and most physical symptoms will be gone in three days, anxiety and sleep problems may last longer but you can utilise your 1-1 detox clinical nurse specialist who will be able to provide relaxation, counselling and education around relapse prevention.
As your symptoms are continually assessed by your 1-1 detox clinical nurse specialist medication will be adjusted accordingly to make sure you are receiving the correct dose at all times and reduce discomfort to an absolute minimum.
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