Alcohol Withdrawal: A Guide to Over-The-Counter Medications

Delirium tremens is a severe, life-threatening form of withdrawal that can happen when a person with alcohol use disorder suddenly stops drinking. Reducing alcohol intake or quitting alcohol entirely is an important step toward improving your health if you have alcohol use disorder. But this is a goal you should also approach safely, and you don’t have to do it alone. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact number for each person because everyone’s different. Some have genetic conditions that mean it’s very easy for them to experience intoxication from alcohol.

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• The only cause of DTs is withdrawal that happens when someone with alcohol use disorder stops drinking alcohol suddenly.
• Medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anti-seizure medications.

Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. These medications treat conditions based on which effect they cause. While there are separate types because they have different primary effects, there’s a lot of overlap between them.

Protecting yourself from unintended exposure to benzodiazepines

• By understanding the stages of alcohol withdrawal, the factors that influence its severity, and the strategies for managing symptoms, individuals can navigate this challenging period and achieve sobriety.
• Additional medications like clonidine and beta-blockers can help manage specific withdrawal symptoms.
• Most medication treatments are designed to last up to 6 months for optimal effectiveness.
• For those with mild symptoms, outpatient care may be sufficient, but regular check-ins with a healthcare provider are still necessary.

This action directly reduces symptoms like anxiety, tremors, agitation, and high blood pressure, effectively stabilizing the patient. Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan regularly. This may mean you try a different type of therapy or a new medication. A provider can help you make adjustments throughout your life as needed. Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking.

• They can recommend alcohol rehabilitation programs, specialist providers, support groups and more.
• The brain becomes overactive, leading to symptoms such as shaking, rapid heartbeat, anxiety and, in severe cases, seizures.
• This condition is avoidable with professional medical guidance and specialized programs that help people who want to lower their alcohol intake or stop drinking entirely.
• The GABA receptor mechanism makes them particularly effective at managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Delirium Tremens

This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended. A relapse is returning to a substance after stopping it for a period of time. You’ll need to detox again and restart your treatment cycle from the beginning. It helps to have a strong support system to rely on if you may be at risk of relapse.

Symptoms of overdose

• Healthcare providers may recommend therapies alone or in combination with medications.
• Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness.
• In addition to medication, treatment plans should include counseling, therapy, and support groups to address underlying issues and promote long-term recovery.
• The body, having become accustomed to the presence of alcohol, goes through a readjustment phase that leads to withdrawal symptoms.
• That way, you can benefit from these medications and reduce the risk of problems along the way.
• Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex mental health condition.

While these medications can treat many conditions and help millions, they’re not without risks. If your healthcare provider prescribes one of these medications, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance, and take the medications exactly as prescribed. That way, you can benefit from these medications and reduce the risk of problems along the way. Potential complications of alcohol withdrawal include seizures, delirium tremens, and death. Seizures can occur within 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, while delirium tremens, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, can occur within 48 to 72 hours. Other complications, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and co-occurring medical conditions, can Alcohol Withdrawal also occur.