5 Common Side Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal

If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, withdrawing is inevitable. During the withdrawal process, many adverse effects take hold. Industry experts maintain that the following symptoms are common in those who are weaning off alcohol.

Tremors
Incessant shaking is indicative of alcohol withdrawal. This symptom rears its ugly head about five hours after consuming your last drink. Tremors also give rise to increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, nausea, and vomiting. With that said, one problem begets another. When tremors are present, so too is anxiety. During this phase, irritability is generally in tow. Within three days, the shakes should subside.

Seizures
One of the most unsettling side effects of alcohol withdrawal is seizures. You’re at the highest chance of experiencing a seizure 24 hours after your last drink. After two days, you’re considerably less vulnerable. If seizures do occur, the chances of more happening increase. For your safety, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately following one of these episodes.

Delirium Tremens
Increased periods of confusion aren’t uncommon in those withdrawing from alcohol. This side effect begins anywhere from one day to one week after bidding alcohol farewell. Those who experience delirium tremens are more susceptible to hallucinations and dangerous dehydration. It’s for this reason why it’s essential to consume copious amounts of water during the withdrawal phase. Otherwise, you’re liable to reduce the amount of oxygen that your brain receives.

Hallucinosis
Hallucinosis is a false sense of reality. It can kick in anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after consuming your last alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, many have difficulty pinpointing when hallucinosis takes over because their mental state is compromised. Heightened paranoia and distorted vision are telltale signs that hallucinations will soon begin. These false perceptions range from exploding insects to falling coins. In essence, they’re bizarre scenarios.

Insomnia
Getting adequate shut-eye is nearly impossible during alcohol withdrawal. Many recovering alcoholics find that excessive sweating and nightmares disrupt their sleep patterns. This side effect typically lasts up to a week, but it varies depending on the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed. The more tired you become, the testier you’ll be, so don’t be surprised if you have a short fuse. To facilitate the process of getting to sleep, consider a sleep aid.

Withdrawing from alcohol is a precarious and uneasy process. Simply put, numerous side effects accompany alcohol withdrawal, but the ones mentioned above are the most common. With time and patience, these adverse symptoms will eventually let up.