WITHDRAWAL FROM ALCOHOL


The symptoms of withdrawal are temporary; the woman in withdrawal may not experience all of them, or may experience some more intensely than others. A woman in withdrawal from alcohol should be encouraged to consult a physician.

FIRST STAGE

MILD

The symptoms can start within 12 - 36 hours after the last drink, and most of them will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

The physical symptoms of the first stage include:
    - insomnia, restlessness
    - fast heart rate
    - sweating, facial flushing
    - muscle trembling or spasms
    - numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the arms or legs
    - nausea, vomiting
    - ringing in the ears
    - dry mouth
    - itching

The psychological symptoms of the first stage include:

    - anxiety
    - paranoia

SEVERE

These symptoms usually start within 5- 10 hours of the last drink, get worse over the next 2-3 days, and last up to a week. (Sometimes the symptoms in the 'mild' stage can increase in severity during the first four days of withdrawal.)

The physical symptoms include...

    - seizures
    - chect infections
    - severe pain in stomach
    - poor balance when walking
    - hand and body tremors

The psychological symptoms include:

    - hallucinations
    - paranoia worsening
    - confusion

SECOND STAGE

These symptoms can last up to 6 months. The psychological symptoms listed here may recur after 6 months, but they don't last as long, and are not as severe as time passes.

The physical symptoms include:
    - insomnia, restlessness
    - headache
    - tiredness, weakness
    - muscle trembles
    - sexual problems

The psychological symptoms include:
    - anxiety
    - depression, mood swings
    - irritability
    - poor concentration
    - poor memory
    - impulsiveness
    - difficulty in thinking clearly, making plans or decisions

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