Month: March 2020

Safety Note: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Seek medical support and supervision to withdraw safely from alcohol.

Alcohol alters the chemicals in the body to produce its effects, such as relaxation and euphoria. Our bodies are designed to maintain balance, or homeostasis or equilibrium. These two facts will help you understand why alcohol withdrawal happens. 

What is alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal describes the set of symptoms a person experiences when they stop drinking alcohol after they have been drinking regularly, often heavily or for extensive periods of time. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are normal, but can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical support. 

Over time of regular use, the brain and body adapts to alcohol being in the system and depends on it for maintaining balance (also known as homeostasis or equilibrium). When someone stops drinking, it takes time for the body to change back to normal levels. Withdrawal symptoms happen during this transition of regaining homeostasis.  

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms manifest in physical and psychological ways. Symptoms occur when, for example, the brain has become dependent on the release of dopamine from alcohol consumption and the person has not consumed alcohol in at least 6-8 hours.

Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:

Alcohol Withdrawal versus Hangover

Alcohol withdrawal and a hangover from drinking alcohol are separate things. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when alcohol is not being consumed, while a hangover occurs when too much alcohol is consumed during one drinking period.

Hangover Symptoms

• Decreased concentration
• Decreased sleep
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased appetite
• Increased pulse
• Irritability
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Weakness

Here is a quiz that can help distinguish if you might be having alcohol withdrawal symptoms verses a hangover from alcohol.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms that occur after the last drink are usually divided into 3 stages: Mild, Moderate, and Severe. All the stages are serious and should have supervision with a mental health professional. Not everyone will experience severe withdrawal symptoms, but grand mal seizures and delirium tremens can happen, particularly for those who drank for long periods of time and heavily.

Keep Learning 

How Do I Know If I Have an Alcohol Problem? >>  | Withdrawal >>

We often joke about going through withdrawal from a specific person, food, or TV show. While withdrawal describes something being removed or taken away, it also specifically refers to a set of symptoms a person can experience upon stopping an addictive substance or behavior, such as drugs, alcohol, and gambling. 

What is drug / alcohol withdrawal?

Drug and alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person stops using drugs or drinking after a period of regular use. 

Withdrawal is one of the diagnostic criteria for a substance or alcohol use disorder since it is a sign that a person has become physically and/or psychologically dependent. Withdrawal is often what keeps a person trapped in addiction because one of the quickest ways to relieve withdrawal is to use or drink again. Many will continue drugs and alcohol not for the positive, pleasurable effects, but for avoiding the negative effects of withdrawal.

A person does not necessarily have to be an “addict” or “alcoholic” to experience withdrawal and not everyone will experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Symptoms and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person. Age, how long someone has been using drugs or alcohol, how much and how frequently, and more are factors for withdrawal.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleep Disturbances (e.g. insomnia)
• Agitation, irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Discomfort (malaise)
• Muscle aches

Why is withdrawal so uncomfortable?

Withdrawal is so uncomfortable because the body adapts to the drug being present and it takes time for the body to readjust when the drug is no longer present. Withdrawal symptoms typically are the exact opposite of symptoms felt from the drug. For example, if a drug relaxes your system, you may feel anxiety and irritability upon stopping the drug.

Can you die from withdrawal?

The short answer is yes, you can die from withdrawal. However, most substances produce uncomfortable, non life-threatening symptoms. Alcohol and benzodiazepines are substances that can be very dangerous to stop “cold turkey” or abruptly, so it’s important to be under medical supervision for alcohol and benzodiazepine detox.

Keep Learning 

Understanding Addiction >> |    What Is Rehab? >>

Resources

https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/terminology/withdrawal/en/

A person may know they have a drug problem if they have become dependent on a drug and feel like the drug is needed for functioning. Another way an individual can tell if their drug use is causing a problem is if they are experiencing negative consequences in their home, work, or personal relationships.

When does using drugs become a problem?

Drug usage in someone’s life becomes a problem when it negatively affects an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This may manifest as an addiction, withdrawal symptoms, illegal activity, or other negative consequences in their life or the lives of family and friends.

Drugs can also become a problem in someone’s life when they depend on the drug for achieving personal fulfillment at the expense of themselves and/or others.

DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for Substance Use Disorders

The table below features the DSM-V and ICD-10 which can be used as a guide to determine if drug usage may be a problem in your life or your loved ones life. 

This table is not to be used for a self-diagnosis. Please seek help from a mental health professional for a real diagnosis if you feel like you or your loved one may be experiencing a drug problem.

DSM-V contains a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. As research and data continues, the APA updates the DSM with current information which is why there is the letter V for the 5th edition.

ICD-10 contains a  list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases developed by the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 1893. As research and data continues, the APA reviews and updates the ICD with current information which is why there is the number 10 for the 10th revision.

How Can You Find Out?

Many will say if you’re questioning, then that means you have a drug problem and should seek help. Here are a few other ways you can find out if you have a drug problem.

Talk to Your GP

Talk to your general practitioner about your drug use and be honest. GPs can conduct an assessment and refer you to another health professional or level of care if needed.

Get an Assessment with a Mental Health Professional

The best and recommended way to know if you have a drug problem is to get an assessment with a mental health professional. Since they’re experts, they’ll be able to assess the severity of a substance use disorder and recommend the level of treatment you need. You can talk to your GP about a mental health assessment or find other providers who can give one.

Try Minimizing or Stopping Drugs

Note: this is not safe if you consistently take drugs, as drug withdrawal can be life-threatening. If you have not become dependent on drugs though and think you may have a problem, see if you can go without the drug or significantly reduce your drug intake. Does it cause anxiety? Are you struggling to stop? 

Take an Online Quiz

Here are a few common online quizzes regarding drugs. The general quizzes below are not meant to be a diagnosis, but more of a spectrum guide of your drug usage.

• A 20 question quiz to provide you an idea of whether a drug addiction or drug abuse problem exists. https://drugabuse.com/drug-addiction-quiz/

• A 12 question quiz to help determine if you may be at risk for developing a drug addiction.
  https://www.drugrehab.com/quizzes/am-i-a-drug-addict/

• A 29 question quiz built by people in recovery in Narcotics Anonymous to help determine if you may be addicted to drugs.
  https://m.na.org/?ID=ips-an-an-IP7

Keep Learning 

Understanding the Basics of Addiction  >> | Withdrawal >>

Alcohol is a substance that may become a problem in someone’s life regardless of how much alcohol one drinks or how frequently (although regular and heavy use generally indicate a problem). Alcohol misuse may mean drinking over the recommended guidelines, becoming physically dependent on alcohol, or drinking for emotional reasons. 

Alcohol use disorders are determined through an assessment by a health professional who has gone through training to diagnose based on standards provided by credited research.

What makes alcohol a problem?

Alcohol is so common and seemingly everyone drinks alcohol, so at what point can it become a problem?

A person may notice they have an alcohol problem if they start neglecting life responsibilities to consume alcohol. They may notice alcohol has become a problem in their life when they feel the need to drink alcohol to do daily functions, cope, grieve, or numb their emotions.

Another way someone may notice that alcohol has become a problem is if their behavior causes negative consequences in their life or the lives of others.

It is important to note that someone does not have to be an “alcoholic” to have a problem with alcohol. Alcohol use disorders are based on the individual’s assessment.

DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorders

The table below features the DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for an alcohol use disorder; both are beneficial to use as a guide for if alcohol may be a problem in your life or your loved one’s life. 

This table is not to be used as a self-diagnosis. Please seek help from a health professional for more detailed information and for a diagnosis about a possible alcohol use disorder that you or your loved one may be experiencing.

DSM-V is a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have an Alcohol Use Disorder. The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. As research and data continues, the APA updates the DSM with current information which is why there is the letter V for the 5th edition.

ICD-10 is a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have an Alcohol Use Disorder. The ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases developed by the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 1893. As research and data continues, the APA reviews and updates the ICD with current information which is why there is the number 10 for the 10th revision.

How Can You Find Out?

Many will say if you’re questioning, then that means you have an alcohol problem and should seek help. Here are a few other ways you can find out if you have an alcohol problem.

Talk to Your GP

Perhaps one of the best and easiest ways to find out if you have an alcohol problem is to candidly talk to your general practitioner about your alcohol use. GPs can conduct an assessment and refer you to another health professional or level of care if needed.

Get an Assessment with a Mental Health Professional

Another recommended way to know if you have an alcohol problem is to get an assessment with a mental health professional. Since they’re experts, they’ll be able to assess the severity of an alcohol use disorder and recommend the level of treatment you need. You can talk to your GP about an assessment or find other providers who can give one.

Try Minimizing or Stopping Alcohol

Note: this is NOT safe for everyone, especially if you consistently drink, as alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. If you casually drink though and think you may have a problem, see if you can go without alcohol or significantly reduce your alcohol intake. Does it cause anxiety? Are you struggling to stop? 

Take an Online Quiz

Here are a few common online quizzes regarding alcohol consumption. The general quizzes below are not meant to be a diagnosis, but a guide for alcohol use.

• A 10 question quiz that helps determine if alcohol use in your life is causing you to be at low risk, medium-risk, or high risk for having an Alcohol Use Disorder. alcohol.org

• A 15 question quiz that helps determine if alcohol use is a problem in your life. All questions are either true or false. allthetests.com

• A 11 question quiz that uses the DSM-V approach to determine if you may have an alcohol use disorder. This quiz has the results of the answered questions on a spectrum of mild, moderate, or severe. menshealth.com

Keep Learning 

What Is Alcoholism?  >> | Alcohol Withdrawal >>  | How to Stop Drinking >>

No one chooses to be addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambling. So, what happens? Where does drinking cross the line into an alcohol problem? When does drug use grow from something that makes you feel good to something that takes over your life because if you don’t have it you feel miserable? 

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is complex. It is widely accepted that addiction is a disease, involving compulsive use regardless of negative consequences. 

The “short” definition of addiction by The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM):

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

Although we’re still exploring the many biological, psychological, and social factors behind how addiction happens, we know for certain drugs, alcohol, and other behaviors, like gambling, gaming, and pornography (typically called “process addictions”), can cause problems in a person’s life and in the lives of those close to that person—and we know addiction is treatable.

Symptoms of Addiction

The drug of choice or behavior of choice will have varying symptoms, but most addictions have the following symptoms. Typically, the more of these symptoms, the more severe the addiction is.

• Withdrawal symptoms upon stopping
• Tolerance (you need more of the drug or behavior to get the same effect)
• Time and energy focused on the behavior and getting next “fix,” especially at the expense of activities once enjoyed
• Craving
• Problems related to use:
  • Neglected responsibilities at school, work or home
  • Relationship conflict
  • Physical health problems
  • Mental health issues
• Lack of control and inability to stop (repeated attempts to quit)

How Common Is Addiction?

Often termed “substance use disorder” (SUD) or “alcohol use disorder” (AUD), addiction affects a number of people worldwide. The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2019, estimates that in 2017, about 35 million people were suffering from a drug use disorder.

More than 35 million people worldwide are suffering from a drug use disorder.

Is Addiction a Disease?

While the disease aspect is still controversial in some circles, in the medical and scientific communities, addiction is considered a disease, a chronic brain disorder. 

How Is Addiction Treated?

A spectrum of treatment options exist to help people struggling with drugs and alcohol or process addictions. 

Typically addiction is treated through a combination of psychotherapies, support groups, and sometimes medicine. Some people have found recovery simply by attending support groups regularly. Others have found individual counseling coupled with support group attendance 

Keep Learning 

What to Look for in a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program >>   How Do I Know If I Have a Drug Problem? >>