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Alcoholism (AUD) | Recovery Support

How to Recognize Alcohol Withdrawal

ByPines Recovery Life Staff
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Pines Recovery Life · Blog

How to Recognize Alcohol Withdrawal

When alcohol intake becomes an addiction, it can be a trying task to let go of the urge to have the next drink. Not only does your body go through emotional changes during your de…

Published July 26, 2018 · Reviewed by Sergey Litvinov, MD · ~326 words

When alcohol intake becomes an addiction, it can be a trying task to let go of the urge to have the next drink. Not only does your body go through emotional changes during your detoxification process, but the physiology of your body changes as well. If one has been dependant on alcohol for a longer period of time, the body begins to adapt (while still having a negative impact). So, what happens when you decide to remove alcohol from your system?

A breakdown of alcohol withdrawal

Withdrawal can occur within eight hours of the last drink. The first few days tend to be the most difficult to deal with, as your body is experiencing a drastic change from its previous routine. During this time, you may experience:

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in appetite
  • Confusion
  • Depression

Though these are just a look into the many emotional and physical side effects of withdrawal, more advanced symptoms may occur, which can include:

How to cope with the Symptoms

As these symptoms can be exhausting and emotionally draining, it is important to deal with this hardship positively to ensure an effective and successful recovery. A great option is to get professional treatment from a certified treatment/detox center or a medical facility.

You may also cope with withdrawal by taking these steps to improve the symptoms:

  • Meditate
  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat nutritional, healthy meals
  • Exercise
  • Participate in a hobby you enjoy

It is important to recognize the symptoms and to be proactive regarding your treatment. Having a support system and reaching out can make the process easier. Remember, this situation may be difficult, but it is only temporary. With the proper treatment, the benefits will make a positive change in your life.

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