By
Medical Care Review | Wednesday,
November 13,
2024
Withdrawing from alcohol can be a challenging and stressful journey. In an attempt to alleviate the symptoms, some people may relapse or consume alcohol. During rehabilitation, relapses are inevitable; what matters is how you handle them. Discussing why it occurred and what you might do differently the next time with a loved one or therapist could be a good idea.
Fremont, CA: According to dietary guidelines, women should restrict their daily alcohol intake to one drink or less, while men should limit their daily alcohol intake to two drinks or less. Overconsumption raises the chance of developing some cancers and can cause heart disease and liver damage.
Both your immediate and long-term health can improve if you decide to give up alcohol. However, alcohol is a highly addictive drug that, when used repeatedly over time, can alter the chemistry of the body and brain. You become physically dependent on alcohol as a result of the changes in your body that occur as you become accustomed to the drug and build a tolerance.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is sometimes experienced by heavy drinkers who quit abruptly and "cold turkey."
Symptoms can occasionally be so bad that they must be treated in a hospital or rehabilitation center. However, some people decide to handle their alcohol withdrawal. These are some ideas for overcoming alcohol withdrawal at home.
Have a Support System
Discuss with a drug treatment professional or your physician what to anticipate throughout your alcohol withdrawal. Inquire with your doctor about any potential medicinal aids. You might ask a friend or family member to be there for you emotionally.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy, including the numbers for your doctor, the police, a local hospital, and a trusted individual. Also, consider joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.
One of the many reasons to have a support person is that you can trust them to confront unpleasant thoughts. For instance, a support person can assist you in thinking positively about bad symptoms if they are making you feel so uncomfortable that you want to give up: Toxins are being eliminated from your body, or your body is returning to normal.
Take Care of Yourself
Certain withdrawal effects, such as mood swings, can be lessened by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep. If you don't feel particularly hungry, you might wish to take a multivitamin or consume a sports drink or other beverage high in electrolytes. Continue taking pharmaceutical drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
Manage Your Stress
Although it's easier said than done, managing stress might help you better manage urges and lessen withdrawal symptoms. Make your surroundings more calming by adding cozy spots to rest and gentle lighting.
Keep Yourself Distracted
You may struggle to focus for extended periods of time. Therefore, spend as little time as possible watching TV, going for walks, playing video games, or shopping.
Remove Temptation
Please get rid of all the booze in your house, or have a friend or relative do it for you. This includes alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and liquor, as well as goods like vanilla extract and rubbing alcohol.
Stay away from persons who might support your choice to quit drinking or who could encourage you to do so. Avoiding meetings with "drinking buddies" or events that emphasize drinking could make your rehabilitation process easier.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Drink a lot of liquids, but keep yourself from drinking water. To keep it exciting and diverse, use fruit juices, low-fat milk, kombucha, sparkling water, or virgin cocktails (sometimes called mocktails). Note that kombucha and fruit juice might contain a lot of sugar.
Selecting snacks heavy in carbohydrates, such as apples, crackers, or pretzels, can help sate cravings.
