Alcohol: withdrawal and treatment
Withdrawal
If a person who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking they will experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- anxiety;
- insomnia (inability to sleep);
- irritability;
- confusion;
- tremors; and
- sweating.
In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal may cause convulsions, cramps, vomiting, delusions, hallucinations, and even death. A person considering withdrawing from alcohol should first consult a doctor or other health professional.
Treatment
There are a number of drug treatment options available in Australia. While abstinence may be a suitable treatment aim for some people, many programmes recognise that for others this may not be possible or realistic. Most programmes adopt strategies that have an overall aim of reducing the harms and risks related to the person's alcohol use.
Some treatment options include counselling, withdrawal (detoxification) and medication (pharmacotherapy). Residential and ‘out-patient’ programmes are available.
Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances, and usually involves a combination of methods.
For referral to a treatment service, contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
