How to Support Someone Going Through Alcohol Withdrawals

by | Jun 26, 2023 | alcoholism, Mental health | 0 comments

Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash

Alcohol withdrawals are never easy, especially for the individual’s family. It’s one thing to experience but another type of pain when seeing how destructive it can be.

Alcohol makes an excellent companion. It can dramatically soothe the most troubled mind and magically improve people’s mental state despite their lows. It’s no wonder most prefer it more than an actual, physical company and means of comfort when going through a rough patch in life. However, like everything else, things are always only better in moderation.

Unlike someone’s company which can only get annoying at its worst, alcohol can turn into alcohol dependency when abused. When this happens, the happiness and comfort start to dim, and the destruction goes in. It only takes an extra shot for enjoyment to become dependent and for fun to become a burden. Alcoholism or alcohol dependency is detrimental to one’s health, but most fail to mention that it’s only the calm before the storm.

Living with always craving for alcohol to function is a hassle. It can drive anybody crazy. But to move on from it, people must experience alcohol withdrawals, and that’s when actual danger is laid out.

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawals

Whenever they realize how close to dependency they’ve veered into, people commonly hesitate to quit drinking for fear of alcohol withdrawal. Clearing the body with alcohol isn’t as easy as going on a calorie deficit or cutting down on carbs. Sure, the body might also crave alcohol more like how it is with those mentioned above, but physical and emotional problems may also happen during detox.

Withdrawal symptoms are frightening primarily due to their dangers. And although it can be quite a scary scene for any onlookers, getting as much support as possible can be highly beneficial. A child of an alcoholic father may want to be with them throughout the process, and solid emotional support can make it easier. But nobody always knows what to do in this delicate situation.

Alcohol withdrawals can be severe depending on how the individual’s habits are. Its symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically begin within 6-12 hours from the individual’s last drink. Everybody hopes the symptoms subside after a couple of hours, but it’s imperative to seek medical assistance if they become more erratic or severe. Most hospitals now offer detox programs to aid with alcohol withdrawals. But for someone with a milder case, a home detox process will do.

Regardless of where they are, a comfortable, safe, and incredibly stimulating or alcohol-free environment is crucial to get through the process successfully.

What Can Family Do for Someone in Detox?

The individual’s family is among the most vital factor in ensuring success throughout the alcohol withdrawals. They must be there, ready to hold the other’s hand once they begin seeking out alcohol again. But above the attention and time, they must be without judgment through the process.

Closely Monitor the Withdrawal Process

Alcohol withdrawals don’t automatically mean the person won’t be with the substance in a two-meter radius. If anything, it’s during the process they’ll start looking for it more and more. Individuals in detox shouldn’t be left alone for the dangers and the possibility of slipping back into their vices. They must be accompanied to ensure they stay away from alcohol and also to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients throughout the process.

A detox can make someone go through dehydration and nausea, not to mention the possible physiological problems that come with the process. Someone close can help deliver fluids, food, and necessary medicine to keep one through safely and healthily. The more support these individuals have, the higher their chances of successfully detoxing.

Be Aware of Their Triggers

Triggers can be anything for anyone with dependency. It can be an emotion that makes them bring a bottle out. An event that only alcohol can help them manage or go through. Anything can trigger someone into opening their cupboards and taking a drink. Hence, it’s essential that someone learns these triggers and closely observe when they might happen.

These triggers, accompanied by these individuals’ random craving for alcohol, will persist throughout alcohol withdrawals. On certain occasions, they will be under so much evident pain that it’s easy to give in out of concern. When this happens, it can be helpful to have a plan, a distraction to take their attention away from the craving while helping them go through the pain.

The point is, eventually, these episodes will go away along with the problem.

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