Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

The term "alcohol withdrawal" refers to changes that the body undergoes when a person suddenly stops drinking alcohol after prolonged and intense. Symptoms include tremors, insomnia and anxiety, among other physical and mental symptoms.
The alcohol has a depressant effect on the brain. In a person with intense and prolonged consumption of alcohol, the brain is exposed almost continuously to this depressant effect. With time, the body eventually adjust its own chemistry to compensate for the effects of alcohol, with production of chemical stimulants (such as serotonin or norepinephrine) in larger quantities than normal. If alcohol is removed suddenly, the brain acts as a vehicle accelerated lost brakes, most of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal consequence of an excessive brain stimulation.
The most dangerous form of deprivation of alcohol occurs in about 1 in 20 people who have symptoms produced by abstinence and is called delirium tremens (DT). In delirium tremens, the brain is unable to smoothly readjust its chemistry after alcohol withdrawal, creating a state of temporary confusion and leading to dangerous changes in how the body regulates the circulation and respiration. The body's vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure can change dramatically and unpredictably, with risk of death.

Treatment
Presents severe vomiting, seizures or delirium tremens, the safest place to be treated is a hospital. In cases of delirium tremens is often even necessary treatment in intensive care unit (ICU). In a UCI can monitor up tightly heart rate, blood pressure and respiration in case of need for emergency life support (such as artificial respiration via a ventilator.)
A type of medications called benzodiazepines may decrease the manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. The active ingredients frequently used in this group include diazepam, chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam.
Most people with alcohol abuse that has alcohol withdrawal syndrome is lack of various vitamins and minerals and can benefit from nutritional supplements. In particular, the alcohol can cause a shortage of folate, thiamine, vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc and phosphate. It can also cause a decrease in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
It is desirable to one skilled in the presence of dependencies to help in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal in a person.

Prevention
Alcoholism is caused by many factors. People who have a first degree relative (brother / or the father / mother) with a history of alcoholism present a probability three to four times greater than the average of developing alcoholism. Some people with family histories of alcoholism choose to abstain from drinking, as it is a guarantee to prevent the development of alcohol dependence. Many people with no family history also develop alcoholism. If you are worried about your drinking habits of alcohol, talk with your doctor.