Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms After Ceasing Alcohol Use?

Did you cease or reduce alcohol use that has been heavy and prolonged?

Do you experience autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100 bpm) within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience increased hand tremor within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience insomnia within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience nausea or vomiting within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience psychomotor agitation within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience anxiety within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do you experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?

When you cut back or suddenly stop drinking after a prolonged use of alcohol, you may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The severity can range from mild to severe, and that usually depends on how long you have used alcohol and how much you normally drink. Based on your answers, you may be displaying a symptom related to alcohol withdrawal, but you are unlikely to meet the diagnostic criteria for it. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, your body will become dependent on it. If you experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should call your local emergency number immediately. Especially when you have high fever, hearth disturbances, and hallucinations.

If you drink alcohol occasionally, it’s unlikely that you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. However, prolonged and heavy drinking may cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Alcohol slows down your brain function, and over time your central nervous system ‘gets used’ to have alcohol around all the time. Your body tries to keep your brain in a awake state. When you stop using alcohol, your brain remains in this keyed up state and that’s what causes withdrawal symptoms. You may be experiencing some signs related to alcohol withdrawal, but you probably don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for it. It may be essential to plan a visit to your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a heavy alcohol drinker suddenly stops or reduces alcohol intake. It is of major importance to talk with your doctor. He will decide if you meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol withdrawal. Treatment will focus on managing the symptoms. Besides, your doctor will want to help you stop drinking in a safe way and as fast as possible. The outlook for people with alcohol withdrawal is good if the person stops drinking and follows his treatment plan. It is normal however to continue experiencing problems with sleeping, irritability and fatigue for some months after treatment.