When is quitting drinking dangerous

Get a support team Not only is it safer to have others around, it can also give you much needed psychological support. But here are some key tips for controlling how much you consume, day in and day out: Measure, count, and space your drinks.

A journal or drink-tracking app can make this easier. Know the standard drink definition 2 : Roughly 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1. Choose specific times of day when you will drink or not drink. Switch to a drink you like less. Start drinking wine if you prefer cocktails, for example. Learn more about Ria Health. Are You a High-Functioning Alcoholic? Related Posts. Medically reviewed by: Dr. Linde, MD. Published researcher and author with over 25 years experience in emergency psychiatric care.

Written By: Evan O'Donnell. Writer specializing in targeted, informative content. Dedicated to making the abstract accessible. Edited by: Evan O'Donnell. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. During alcohol withdrawal, symptoms will likely manifest, although to what extent depends on the severity of the addiction.

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows or lowers the functioning of the central nervous system. Through chronic usage, the body eventually becomes conditioned to the presence of alcohol and is able to adapt to it. During withdrawal, the functioning of the central nervous system attempts to readjust to the lack of alcohol. Anyone who has had a hangover has experienced these symptoms to some degree. More serious symptoms of withdrawal, known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome AWS , can include delirium tremens DT in people with a severe alcohol addiction.

Symptoms of AWS often include shaking, headache, high blood pressure, anxiety, and tachycardia increased heart rate. It is common among people with a history of alcohol withdrawal , those who drink heavily, and those who have had an addiction to alcohol for more than 10 years. The most serious symptoms of DT are seizures, hallucinations, and confusion. However, many other symptoms, including sensitivity to light, confusion, and nausea, may also be present.

More serious symptoms of AWS and DT can lead to physical trauma due to seizures, as well as metabolic issues. Low electrolyte levels can lead to cardiac complications during withdrawal, including arrhythmias and sudden death resulting from heart attack.

Hypophosphatemia low levels of phosphate can lead to muscle weakness, coma, and the stoppage of normal breathing functions.

Metabolic abnormalities can typically be corrected through an adequate intake of vitamins, fluids, and sugar.

Home Advice How to reduce your drinking How to stop drinking alcohol completely. On this page. Practical tips on giving up alcohol Firstly, if you think you have a serious drinking problem and are experiencing any of the associated symptoms of alcohol dependence , you should consult your doctor or another medical professional about it as soon as possible.

Give up or gradually reduce your drinking? You can read more tips for cutting down at home , or tips for cutting down when out on our site. Find out the units and calories in your drinks with our Unit and Calorie Calculator. Dr Sarah Jarvis discusses how to stop drinking completely. You can have short-term problems even with relatively low levels of alcohol consumption if you've become used to drinking really regularly.

Alcohol support services. Support services. Further advice and information Arming yourself with strategies and tips can help you or a loved one take small steps towards big results. Low alcohol drinks. Inpatient and Residential Alcohol Detox : An inpatient or residential treatment facility with safe, medically supervised detox is the best option for individuals with alcohol addiction or binge drinkers.

Benefits include around-the-clock monitoring in a home-like setting, individualized treatment plans, private detox rooms if necessary, the use of evidence-based medications and alternative approaches such as biofeedback, massage and acupuncture to ease withdrawal symptoms. Start your alcoholism recovery today by speaking confidentially to a The Ranch PA recovery advisor. Skip to content. Call Quitting cold turkey is the best way. I can do it on my own.

I quit before with minor withdrawal symptoms so my body can handle it. Quitting cold turkey should be easy because I only get drunk on the weekends. Evidence-Based Steps to Quit Drinking The first step in the long path of recovery is admitting you have a problem, however, acknowledgment, willpower or resolve are not enough to quit drinking.

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