Author: Gary Jackson

Can you die from alcohol withdrawal? What to know

These symptoms can sometimes progress to more serious issues, such as hallucinations and alcohol withdrawal seizures. If your home environment is not supportive for staying sober, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to connect you with shelter programs for people recovering from alcohol addiction. If you drink daily, your body becomes dependent on alcohol over time. When this happens, your central nervous system can no longer adapt easily to the lack of alcohol.

• Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency service number) if you or a loved one has any concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• People who drink daily or almost every day should not be left alone for the first few days after stopping alcohol.
• Someone at an addiction center can also be monitored for problems during the detoxification process.
• But severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal can result in lengthy hospital stays and even time in the intensive care unit (ICU).
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually appear when an individual discontinues or reduces alcohol intake after a period of prolonged consumption.

If you’re prescribed a medication from this class of drugs talk with your doctor about the risks before taking them and always follow the doctor’s instructions. The first goal of treatment is to keep you comfortable by managing your symptoms. Your doctor’s treatment goal is helping you stop drinking as quickly and safely as possible. There are many support options available that can help guide you through alcohol withdrawal, as well as abstaining from alcohol after withdrawal.

Postoperative and Rehabilitation Care

If you suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it can cause AWS. A high fever, hallucinations, and heart disturbances are all reasons to seek immediate help. Tap into your social network to help support you through alcohol withdrawal. Find a supportive friend or family member to be with you while you withdraw and support your new non-drinking lifestyle.

Oral chlordiazepoxide and oxazepam are very commonly used for the prevention of withdrawal symptoms. Other drugs often used to manage symptoms include neuroleptics, anticonvulsants like carbamazepine, and valproic acid. Given these significant health consequences, it’s not surprising that many people who are addicted to the substance, try to quit. However, if it’s not done properly, withdrawal from alcohol can have terrible health consequences of its own, including death.

Can You Die From Drug or Alcohol Withdrawals?

Though they can feel horrible, these symptoms are not life-threatening and typically resolve in about two to seven days, Volpicelli says. If you begin experiencing severe symptoms of AWS, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances are of preventing life threatening complications.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. It’s important to note that the Clinical Assessment mentioned above may be unreliable because it is subjective in nature. According to a 2017 study, the use of the Objective Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (OAWS) was more useful for treatment because it can be used as a framework and tailored to individual cases.

What is the prognosis for someone with alcohol withdrawal?

Behavioral health treatment for alcohol problems is often (but not always) covered by insurance. In the United States, most states have low-cost or free rehabilitation programs for those who are uninsured. Research shows people who have a supportive social network are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal. Those with a wider circle of support have a better chance of staying sober.

• Sudden death in the context of AUD is not the same thing as death from alcohol withdrawal.
• Alcohol (ethanol) depresses (slows down) your central nervous system (CNS).