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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