March 9, 2004
Withdrawal Symptoms
From WebMD:
Withdrawal is an uncomfortable physical or psychological change that occurs when the body is deprived of alcohol or drugs that it is accustomed to getting. Symptoms of withdrawal are caused by decreased amounts of a substance in the blood or tissues of a person who has grown accustomed to prolonged heavy use and who then suddenly stops using or drastically reduces the amount of that substance.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin from 4 to 12 hours after you cut down or stop drinking or as long as several days after your last drink. The symptoms can last a few days and may include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Shakiness.
- Anxiety.
In severe cases, delirium tremens, or DTs, can bring tremors, hallucinations, and seizures.
Bottom line: It’s a medical condition, can be life-threatening, and requires immediate medical treatment.
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