How to Overcome Your Fear of Alcohol Withdrawal

How to Overcome Your Fear of Alcohol Withdrawal Addiction Alcohol Use Withdrawal and Relapse Print How to Overcome a Fear of Alcohol Withdrawal After Quitting By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 13, 2019 becon / Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Withdrawal and Relapse Binge Drinking Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Have you ever wanted to quit drinking alcohol but were hesitant to do so because you feared that the withdrawal symptoms would be too severe? You are not alone. Many people are afraid the withdrawal symptoms  could be dangerous if they quit drinking. You may have tried to quit drinking alcohol before and discovered that the symptoms you experienced were more severe than you anticipated. Maybe you decided to go back to drinking just to relieve those symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the primary reason that many people quickly relapse when they attempt to quit. Uncomfortable Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Reduced Make no mistake about it, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and in some cases fatal.?? If you are a daily drinker, a heavy drinker or a frequent binge drinker, suddenly quitting will likely produce a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. But today there is help available for people trying to give up alcohol, even after a lifetime of heavy drinking. There is treatment available that can greatly reduce or eliminate most of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Seek Help Rather Than Quitting Cold Turkey Without Support The key to quitting alcohol while avoiding unpleasant withdrawal symptoms is asking for help. If you have decided that it is in your best interest to stop drinking, seek help from your family doctor or primary healthcare provider. There are specific medical treatments that your physician can provide you with that will stop or reduce most of the symptoms you would normally experience if you quit cold turkey. Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) are the main treatment for symptoms of withdrawal, like the shakes, and are also key to preventing and treating delirium tremens (DTs). ?? You may be given beta-blockers to reduce your heart rate and anti-seizure medications in case you do go into the DTs.?? Your healthcare provider may also suggest vitamins and dietary changes help with your withdrawal symptoms.?? Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Professional Detox Programs Another alternative, especially if you have experienced severe withdrawal in the past, is to check yourself into a professional detoxification facility. Detox programs involve short-term (usually less than seven days) inpatient treatment during which specially trained professionals monitor your withdrawal closely and administer medications as needed. One advantage of in-patient detox is that you will be away from your usual drinking triggers and therefore be less likely to pick up a drink to stop the symptoms when they begin.?? And no, you do not have to be falling-down drunk to check into detox. People voluntarily check in every day. Bottom Line If you need to quit drinking, dont let alcohol withdrawal scare you off. There are medications and treatments available today that can help you get through those first early days of no alcohol consumption. You dont have to do it on your own. Alcohol Withdrawal From Day 1 to Day 30