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Alcohol Withdrawal
Definition Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in adults, but it may happen in teenagers or children as well. It can occur when a person who uses alcohol excessively suddenly stops drinking alcohol. The withdrawal usually occurs within 5-10 hours after the last drink, but it may occur up to 7-10 days later.
Excessive alcohol use is generally considered the equivalent of 2-6 pints of beer (or 4 oz of "hard" alcohol) per day for one week or habitual use of alcohol that disrupts a person's life and routines.
The more heavily a person had been drinking every day, the more likely that person will develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they stop. The likelihood of developing severe withdrawal symptoms also increases if a person has other medical problems.
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• Definition
• Alcohol Withdrawal Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms & Signs
• Alcohol Withdrawal Prevention
• Alcohol Withdrawal Diagnosis & Tests
• Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
• Alcohol Withdrawal Prognosis
• Alcohol Withdrawal Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
• Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Alcoholic Neuropathy
• Delirium
• Delirium Tremens
• Malnutrition
• Tremor
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• Toxicology Screen
Other Topics
• Agitation
• Alcoholism - Resources
• Appetite - Decreased
• Confusion
• Depression
• Electrolytes
• Eyes/Pupils Different Size
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Paleness
• Pulse - Bounding
• Seizures
• Skin - Clammy
• Sleeping Difficulty
• Stress and Anxiety
• Sweating - Excessive
Review Date : 9/8/2003
Reviewed By : David Webner, M.D., Sports Medicine Fellow, Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Program, Springfield, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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