Alcohol Withdrawal

Health Condition

Alcohol Withdrawal

About This Condition

Alcohol withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occur with the elimination of alcohol when a person is psychologically and/or physiologically addicted to it.

A majority of people who have been drinking alcohol and decide to stop (often for health-related reasons) are able to do so without much trouble. Alcohol withdrawal typically becomes difficult only when problem drinkers—alcoholics—attempt to quit. Almost inevitably, alcoholics need help in achieving this goal. Sometimes, this help requires medical intervention in detoxification centers.

Finding doctors who work with alcohol detoxification is often as easy as calling the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and asking for referral information. Most programs successful in getting alcoholics to quit drinking are either part of the AA network or employ AA techniques. Natural approaches to alcohol withdrawal should not be a substitute for detox centers or for AA or AA-related programs.

Symptoms

A person typically has a mild to severe hangover that lasts several days. Symptoms may include stomach upset; headache; shakes or jitters; feelings of generalized anxiety or panic attacks; and insomnia that may be accompanied by bad dreams. There may be also be increases in heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. In a small proportion of alcoholics, withdrawal may result in severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), or generalized seizures.

Other Therapies

Further treatment includes adequate nutrition, fluid intake, and rest.

References

1. Taniguchi S, Kaneto K, Hamada T. Acquired zinc deficiency associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Int J Dermatol 1995;34:651-2.

2. Scholmerich J, Lohle E, Kottgen E, Gerok W. Zinc and vitamin A deficiency in liver cirrhosis. Hepatogastroenterology 1983;30:119-25.

3. Reding P, Duchateau J, Bataille C. Oral zinc supplementation improves hepatic encephalopathy. Results of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 1984;2(8401):493-5.

4. Marchesini G, Fabbri A, Bianchi G, et al. Zinc supplementation and amino acid-nitrogen metabolism in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Hepatology 1996;23:1084-92.

5. Takuma Y, Nouso K, Makino Y, et al. Clinical trial: oral zinc in hepatic encephalopathy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010;32:1080-90

6. Sturniolo GC, D'Inca R, Parisi G, et al. Taste alterations in liver cirrhosis: are they related to zinc deficiency? J Trace Elem Electrolytes Health Dis 1992;6:15-9.

7. Weismann K, Christensen E, Dreyer V. Zinc supplementation in alcoholic cirrhosis. A double-blind clinical trial. Acta Med Scand 1979;205(5):361-6.

8. Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

9. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

10. Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol, vitamin A, and beta-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1071-85 [review].

11. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-9.

12. Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acids, prostaglandins, and alcoholism: an overview. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1987;11:2-9.

13. Glen I, Skinner F, Glen E, MacDonell L. The role of essential fatty acids in alcohol dependence and tissue damage. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1987;11:37-41.

14. Blum K. A commentary on neurotransmitter restoration as a common mode of treatment for alcohol, cocaine and opiate abuse. Integr Psychiatr 1986;6:199-204.

15. Rogers LL, Pelton RB. Glutamine in the treatment of alcoholism. Q J Stud Alcohol 1957;18:581-7.

16. Keung WM, Vallee BL. Daidzin and daidzein suppress free-choice ethanol intake by Syrian Golden hamsters. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1993;90:10008-12.

17. Shebek J, Rindone JP. A pilot study exploring the effect of kudzu root on the drinking habits of patients with chronic alcoholism. J Altern Compl Med 2000;6:45-8.

18. Lukas SE, Penetar D, Berko J, et al. An extract of the Chinese herbal root kudzu reduces alcohol drinking by heavy drinkers in a naturalistic setting. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005;29:756-62.

19. Blum K. A commentary on neurotransmitter restoration as a common mode of treatment for alcohol, cocaine and opiate abuse. Integr Psychiatr 1986;6:199-204.

20. Embry CK, Lippmann S. Use of magnesium sulfate in alcohol withdrawal. Am Fam Phys 1987;35:167-70.

21. Wilson A, Vulcano B. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of magnesium sulfate in the ethanol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1984;8:542-5.

22. Blum K. A commentary on neurotransmitter restoration as a common mode of treatment for alcohol, cocaine and opiate abuse. Integr Psychiatr 1986;6:199-204.

23. Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

24. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

25. Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol, vitamin A, and beta-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1071-85 [review].

26. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-9.

27. Cleary JP. Etiology and biological treatment of alcohol addiction. J Neuro Ortho Med Surg 1985;6:75-7.

28. Smith RF. A five-year field trial of massive nicotinic acid therapy of alcoholics in Michigan. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1974;3:327-31.

29. O'Halloren P. Pyridine nucleotides in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problem drinkers. West J Surg Obstet Gynecol 1961;69:101-4.

30. Eriksson CJP. Increase in hepatic NAD level—its effect on the redox state and on ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism. Fed Eur Biochem Soc 1974;40:3117-20.

31. Replogle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction of anxiety and depression among alcoholics. J Orthomolec Med 1988;4:221-4.

32. Replogle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction of anxiety and depression among alcoholics. J Orthomolec Med 1988;4:221-4.

33. Baker H. A vitamin profile of alcoholism. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1983;(suppl 24):179.

34. Schuckit MA. Alcohol and Alcoholism. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998, 2503-8.

35. Norton VP. Interrelationships of nutrition and voluntary alcohol consumption in experimental animals. Br J Addiction 1977;72:205-12.

36. Replogle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction of anxiety and depression among alcoholics. J Orthomolec Med 1988;4:221-4.

37. Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

38. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

39. Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol, vitamin A, and beta-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1071-85 [review].

40. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-9.

41. Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

42. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

43. Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol, vitamin A, and beta-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1071-85 [review].

44. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-9.

45. Replogle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction of anxiety and depression among alcoholics. J Orthomolec Med 1988;4:221-4.

46. Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

47. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

48. Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol, vitamin A, and beta-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1071-85 [review].

49. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-9.

50. Guenther RM. Role of nutritional therapy in alcoholism treatment. Int J Biosoc Res 1983;4:5-18.

51. Werbach MR. Alcohol craving. Int J Altern Complementary Med 1993;July:32.

52. Biery JR, Williford JH, McMullen EA. Alcohol craving in rehabilitation: assessment of nutrition therapy. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:463-6.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

drug Image
Check Pricing on Drugs Commonly Used to Treat alcohol withdrawal:

Select drug name to view medication information and pricing.

Savings
My Profile
Resources
About Us

Copyright 2024

Medical Security Card Company, LLC
All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy Terms Accessibility Statement Do not Sell My Personal Information - for California Residents Only

Log In

You need to log into the site to use this feature

Create A Free Account To Use Medicine Chest

This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.

Benefits Include:

Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Medication information
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log

Sign up to use Medicine Chest

Sign Up
Log In

Create A Free Account To Use this feature

This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.

Benefits Include:

Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Medication information
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log

Sign up to use this feature

Sign Up
Log In

You will be redirected to your program in 5 seconds.

Hi there.

Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy have recently been updated.

Learn More


I Accept

By declining you will be logged out of your account

;