Alcohol Withdrawal Nausea

Written by William Carrick, RN, MSN

Founder of Executive Home Detox

Signs and Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal has many different signs and symptoms. An uncomfortable sign or symptom of alcohol withdrawal is a lack of appetite accompanied by nausea. This symptom is an indication of a significant dependence on the alcohol.

The lack of appetite accompanied by alcohol withdrawal nausea indicates:

• The stomach is not prepared to take in nourishment.
• The stomach lining may be eroded by the alcohol.
• The stomach lining is one of the first components of the body for the process of breaking down foods. If the stomach lining is absent or impaired, the body gives out a signal that it is not ready for food.

To even complicate the issue further many people experiencing alcohol withdrawal nausea continue to drink alcohol, because their stomach and noxiousness feel better after a drink. The alcohol bathes the stomach lining and initially soothes the ailment but continued drinking results in ongoing destruction of the stomach lining. Executive Home Detox strongly suggest you seek medical attention at this point.

Additionally, it is important to maintain fluids during this time of nausea and poor appetite. Sips of Gatorade, Powerade, Ginger Ale, or other mild liquids may assist in maintaining hydration. Use of an IV service may provide temporary relief, however it’s best to seek medical supervision for the source of the nausea.

When does nausea start and how long does it last?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, usually begin within about 8 hours of the last drink. They are usually at their worst between 24 and 72 hours and then begin to ease, though some symptoms can go on for weeks. Nausea that is still severe after the first few days, or that keeps returning, should be checked by a doctor.

How to ease nausea and vomiting during alcohol withdrawal

• Take small, frequent sips of water or an electrolyte drink instead of large amounts at once.
• Wait until the vomiting settles, then try small portions of bland food.
• Rest, and avoid strong smells and greasy food.
• Do not drink alcohol to settle your stomach; it restarts the cycle.

During a medically supervised alcohol detox, the physician can prescribe anti-nausea medication, and your nurse tracks how much fluid you take in and keep down.

Loss of Appetite

A poor appetite often comes with withdrawal nausea. Fluids come first. Once nausea settles, your nurse helps you return to meals with the protein, fats and carbohydrates your body needs to recover.

When nausea and vomiting are an emergency

Call your doctor, or 911 in an emergency, if you or someone you are caring for has:

• Vomiting that will not stop, or no fluids staying down
• Blood in vomit
• Confusion, hallucinations or severe agitation
• Fever or a racing heart
• A seizure

These can be signs of severe withdrawal or delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency.

Lack of appetite and nausea is one of many symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Other signs or symptoms include:

• Anxiety, Restlessness, Irritability, and agitation
• Tremors, increased heart rate, transient hypertension.
• Trouble sleeping; possibly including intense dreaming and nightmares.
• Poor concentration, impaired memory and judgement

Indications of a more severe Alcohol withdrawal syndrome:

• Increased sensitivity to sound, light, and tactile sensations
• Hallucinations (See, Hear, or feel things not really there)
• Delusions, usually paranoid or persecutory
• Grand Mal Seizures; Tonic-clonic seizures.
• Hyperthermia or elevated fever
• Delirium with disorientation to time, other people, place, and the situation

Executive Home Detox has provided more live-in alcohol home detoxes than anyone else. We have been providing private in home detox for more than 20 years.