Description, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Alcohol withdrawal occurs because the body has become physically dependent on alcohol. Once a person who is physically dependent on alcohol stops drinking alcohol, or in some cases, cuts consumption of alcohol, the body begins to give off signs or symptoms indicating withdrawal. Alcohol consumption that is heavy and prolonged will cause a withdrawal syndrome if alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped altogether. The withdrawal syndrome usually starts 6-24 hours after the last drink and may start prior to the blood alcohol level returning to zero.

An EHD Registered Nurse will provide premier, confidential, and high-quality medical alcohol withdrawal treatment at home. We look for signs and symptoms of withdrawal and dispense medication for comfort and medical management. It is important to provide the appropriate medication at the appropriate dosage as soon as possible to prevent life threatening consequences from occurring.

Begin the path to a healthier life and lifestyle with an EHD Premier Alcohol Detox in the comfort of your home, allowing you to safely detox from alcohol at home.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Restlessness, irritability, anxiety, agitation
• Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Tremor or shakiness, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), and elevate blood pressure (hypertension).
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping, intense dreaming, nightmares
• Poor concentration, impaired memory and judgment
• 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

From Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment: A Treatment Improvement Protocol, Tip 45. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Helpful Blog Posts About Alcohol Withdrawal

• The first signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
• Dry Mouth and Alcohol
• Nose Bleeds and Alcohol Withdrawal
• Nausea and Alcohol Withdrawal
• Poor Concentration
• Sleep Disturbance
• Anxiety
• Shakes
• Delirium Tremens or DT’s

Alcohol Withdrawal as a Medical Diagnosis

Alcohol Withdrawal is an actual diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.

The DSM – IV requires that two of the following criteria be met to diagnose and treat someone with Alcohol Withdrawal who has been consuming alcohol in a heavy and prolonged manner:

• Sweating or a pulse rate greater than 100 (this may be referred to as Autonomic Activity)
• Increased hand tremor
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Transient (on and off) visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions
• Psychomotor agitation
• Anxiety
• Grand mal seizures