If you’re simply looking to speak to someone on the phone or chat online for more advice on your own or someone else’s drinking, get in touch with Drinkchat or Drinkline.ĭrinkchat is a free online chat service with trained advisors offering confidential advice. The service is available from 9am-2pm on weekdays.ĭrinkline is a free, confidential helpline available from 9am – 8pm on weekdays, and 11am – 4pm at the weekend. You can also search for alcohol support services in your area using the below links: If you’re worried about your drinking, get in touch with your local GP surgery, who will be able to help. If you experience insomnia, it’s worth remembering that your sleep patterns will almost certainly start to return to normal as your brain recovers from withdrawal.įind out more about treatment for alcohol dependence In fact, stopping drinking is a great way to improve the quality of your sleep. It’s really important to resist any urge to start drinking again ‘to help get off to sleep’. If you have been prescribed medication, take it as directedįor some people, insomnia caused by stopping drinking can be challenging.Seek support and company from non-dependent friends and family.Find ways to relax, like reading, going for a walk, or listening to music.Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic drinks (but avoid caffeine).To relieve your symptoms once you’ve stopped drinking: The first 48 hours are likely to be the worst. This sort of medication can be essential for people with severe alcohol dependence, to avoid the danger of having a seizure during withdrawal, which could result in permanent injury or death.Īlthough severe withdrawal symptoms can take up to a year to fully recover from, most people feel better within a week of stopping drinking. That will help you decide on the best plan to stop drinking, with support which can include specific prescription medication to take during your withdrawal. If you get withdrawal symptoms, you will need medical support to help you reduce and stop your drinking. If you think you’re dependent, you must seek medical help and talk to a health professional at your GP surgery about how to reduce your drinking.įind out more about alcohol dependence here. It’s different to ‘harmful drinking’ (another type of alcohol-use disorder) which is a pattern of heavy drinking which causes damage to your health, but without actual dependence. Medically, alcohol dependence is recognised as a type of ‘alcohol-use disorder’ which can be treated. People who are dependent on alcohol may experience a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink and feel they’re unable to function without alcohol. We use a tool developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), called 'AUDIT', that is used internationally by medical professionals to check for harm that can be caused by alcohol use disorders, including dependence.Īlcohol dependence, also known as ‘alcoholism’ or alcohol addiction, is serious and can lead to a range of health problems. Our alcohol self-assessment can help you identify if the amount you drink could be putting your health at serious risk. And if you’re experiencing these symptoms several days a week, it’s very likely you are already dependent on alcohol. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s one sign that you’re becoming dependent on alcohol. How withdrawal relates to alcohol dependency If you (or someone you’re looking after) experience repeated vomiting, severe shaking or hallucinations, seek medical attention. 7 If left untreated, up to one in three of these patients go on to experience delirium tremens. Severe withdrawal effects can be life threatening.Īpproximately one in 10 people with alcohol withdrawal syndrome are affected by seizures. Increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing problems. Severe symptoms can additionally include hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real), 4 as well as seizures or delirium tremens (‘DTs’).ĭelirium tremens is a severe indication of alcohol withdrawal. Milder symptoms usually start within eight to 24 hours from the last alcoholic drink. A pulse rate above 100 beats per minute.Typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include: 1, 2 Withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological, and range in severity from mild to severe.
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