Swaroopa Maralla

Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal by Ginger Swaroopa Maralla

Alcoholism is such a common condition that almost every clinician is confronted with its complications, of which one of the most common is Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal occur because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Chronic ethanol use induces an insensitivity to GABA such that more inhibitor is required to maintain a constant inhibitory tone. Glutamate is one of the major excitatory amino acids. Ethanol inhibits glutamate induced excitation. Adaption occurs by increasing sensitivity to glutamate in an attempt to maintain a normal state of arousal. Only the constant presence of ethanol preserves homeostasis. Abrupt cessation unmasks the adaptive responses to chronic ethanol use resulting in overactivity of the CNS. Minor withdrawal symptoms can include: Insomnia, Tremulousness, Mild anxiety, Gastrointestinal upset, anorexia, Headache, Diaphoresis, Palpitations. Symptoms are usually present within six hours of the cessation of drinking. If withdrawal does not progress, these findings resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Withdrawal-associated seizures are generalized tonic-clonic convulsions that usually occur within 12 to 48 hours after abstinence.