Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Side Effects Of Alcohol

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : my boyfriend has stopped drinking alcohol after years of abuse . he feels physically terrible . how long will this last .. he just has minor aches and pains , sleeps alot . has anxiety .

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
thanks for the query.

this will last for weeks at least. he needs the help of his doctor through all of this and will need medication to prevent the debilitating side effects of withdrawal.

the anxiety and jittery feelings are part of withdrawal and patients typically need Ativan or something similar to assist in these particular symptoms.

please have him work also with his PCP to get through this and I am sure he will do very well.
sincerely,

dr Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (15 hours later)

i forgot to mention that he has been sober for 5 months .thats why ive been concerned ,i thought he should be feeling better every day ? thank you your first response has been helpfull . should he feel bad even after 5 months ?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
it's possible that lingering physical effects are still causing symptoms but I suspect a psychological component now.

He may be experiencing some mood disturbance or depression which can lead to general malaise. this is best explored with his primary physician.

it's critical that he eat and sleep well. also he must get exercise daily. this all helps maintain and improve mental health.

Dr G

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar