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When an individual has been drinking heavily for sometime it is likely that they will develop a physical dependence on alcohol as the body has made physiological and neurological adaptations to cope with having so much of what is essentially a toxin around in the body. The result of this dependence is that people may suffer physical withdrawal symptoms from alcohol when they stop, or dramatically reduce their alcohol intake. This can have uncomfortable, frightening, dangerous and sometimes lethal consequences. The side effects of Physical withdrawal include:
If you do suffer from any of the following having an alcoholic drink will calm them as it is the sudden reduction or lack of alcohol is your system that your body is responding to, this is not an excuse to continue to drink. If you or someone you know does wish to stop or reduce their drinking it is best to do it safely by either cutting down gradually or undertaking a Medical detoxification, in any instance it is always recommended that you seek medical assistance. Some Doctor's will prescribe medication to help you carry out a community detoxification at home, other Surgeries and alcohol services prefer to do supervised, inpatient or outpatient detoxifications. For more information see Looking after Someone going through Withdrawal |
