Urgent withdrawal from binge drinking: when is it necessary and who will help

Urgent withdrawal from binge drinking may be necessary in a number of situations when a person’s condition requires immediate intervention to prevent serious medical complications. Binge drinking is a long-term and uncontrolled use of alcohol that can lead to severe physical and mental consequences. Here are the main cases when urgent intervention is required:

Medical indications for urgent withdrawal from binge drinking

Severe alcohol intoxication:

• if a person is in a state of severe intoxication, accompanied by impaired consciousness, vomiting, convulsions, and respiratory depression.
• In case of severe intoxication there is a risk of developing a coma and other life-threatening conditions.

Alcoholic delirium (delirium tremens):

• Alcohol delirium usually develops 2-3 days after stopping binge drinking and is characterized by impaired consciousness, hallucinations, anxiety, and agitation.
• This condition requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to serious complications and even death.

Convulsions and epileptic seizures:

• Some people may experience seizures while drinking heavily or when suddenly stopping drinking alcohol, which also requires immediate medical attention.

Serious somatic complications:

• Binge drinking can aggravate chronic diseases such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and hypertensive crisis.
• The presence of acute symptoms (severe pain, high temperature, loss of consciousness) requires immediate medical attention.

Mental disorders:

• states of depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, psychosis against the background of alcoholism require urgent intervention of a psychiatrist or narcologist.

Other indications for urgent withdrawal from binge drinking

Family and social reasons:

• disruption of family and social relationships, when binge drinking leads to conflicts, violence, loss of employment, etc.
• the need to urgently return to normal life, for example, to resolve important professional or personal issues.

Legal and regulatory aspects:

• a requirement by an employer or law enforcement agency to undergo a medical examination and treatment.

Methods for urgent withdrawal from binge drinking:

Medical Detoxification:

• includes infusion therapy (IV drips) to remove toxins, administration of vitamins (especially group B), electrolytes, and drugs to stabilize the condition.
• Sedatives and anticonvulsants are used to prevent seizures and relieve anxiety.

Psychological support and consultations:

• The help of a psychotherapist or psychologist is important to stabilize the emotional state and motivate for further treatment.

Monitoring and surveillance:

• regular monitoring by medical personnel to monitor the condition and prevent complications.

Choosing a medical institution

Drug treatment clinics and centers:

• specialized institutions offering detoxification and further treatment for alcoholism.

Emergency medical care:

• In emergency cases, it is necessary to call an ambulance for immediate intervention.

Psychiatric clinics:

• in the presence of serious mental disorders.

Prevention of relapse:

Rehabilitation programs:

• comprehensive programs including medical, psychological and social support.

Support for families and loved ones:

• Family help and support is important during the treatment and recovery process.

Urgent withdrawal from binge drinking should be carried out under the supervision of medical specialists in order to minimize risks and ensure effective treatment.

Getting out of a binge — on your own or..?

Coping with binge drinking on your own is very difficult and potentially dangerous. Here are a few reasons why trying to quit binge drinking on your own can be ineffective and even life-threatening:

Reasons why it is dangerous to stop drinking on your own

Risk of severe complications:

• Alcohol delirium (delirium tremens) can develop when alcohol consumption is suddenly stopped and requires emergency medical attention.
• seizures that can lead to injury or even death.
• Acute alcohol intoxication can worsen the condition and cause serious complications, such as cardiac or respiratory problems.

Physical symptoms of withdrawal:

• tremors (shaking), sweating, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), increased blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.
• Without medical attention, these symptoms can be very severe and lead to a deterioration in general condition.

Mental withdrawal symptoms:

• anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia.
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Lack of professional support:

• Without the help of doctors and psychologists, it is difficult to cope with the psychological aspects of addiction and avoid relapses.

Methods for self-help to stop drinking (why they are not always effective and safe):

Home Detoxification Methods:

• are often ineffective and can be dangerous. Homemade IVs or improper use of medications can lead to serious complications.

Reducing the dose of alcohol:

• Gradually reducing alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, but this method is difficult to manage and may not be effective without professional support.

Drink plenty of fluids and vitamins:

• This may help reduce dehydration and partially replenish the loss of vitamins, but it does not eliminate the underlying problem and does not guarantee safety.

Recommendations for safe withdrawal from binge drinking

Seek medical attention:

• consultation with a narcologist or general practitioner who will be able to assess the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
• In some cases, detoxification can be done at home under the supervision of a physician.

Hospital treatment:

• In difficult cases, it is recommended to undergo a course of detoxification and rehabilitation in a specialized clinic.
• Medical supervision will ensure a safe exit from binge drinking and minimize the risk of complications.

Psychological support:

• Consultations with a psychotherapist or psychologist will help you cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
• Support from Alcoholics Anonymous or other fellowship groups may be helpful.

Preparing to get out of a binge

Informing relatives:

• Tell your loved ones about your intention to stop drinking and ask for their support and help.

Creating a safe environment:

• Ensure that you have the necessary food, water, vitamins and medications as recommended by your doctor.
• Remove all alcohol and potentially dangerous items from your home.

Plan ing of actions:

• Develop a plan of action in case your condition worsens and emergency medical care is needed.

That is, experts emphasize, independent withdrawal from binge drinking without medical assistance and support from loved ones can be extremely dangerous and ineffective. In the presence of addiction and symptoms of binge drinking, it is always recommended to seek professional medical help to ensure a safe and effective detoxification process and further treatment.

Physical symptoms

Severe alcohol intoxication:

• loss of consciousness or inability to wake a person.
• inability to speak, move, or perform simple tasks.
• vomiting, especially if accompanied by loss of consciousness (risk of aspiration of vomit and suffocation).
• slow or irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute or more than 10 seconds between breaths).

Cramps:

• sudden and involuntary muscle contractions that can be dangerous and indicate serious problems with the central nervous system.

Symptoms of alcoholic delirium (delirium tremens):

• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• disorientation in space and time, inability to understand where one is, what day it is, etc.
• strong excitement, anxiety, panic.
• delusional ideas, often of a paranoid nature.

Symptoms of severe withdrawal:

• severe tremor (shaking of the arms, legs, or whole body).
• increased sweating.
• severe rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
• high blood pressure.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases:

• chest pain, which may indicate heart problems.
• severe abdominal pain that may be associated with pancreatitis or other serious gastrointestinal diseases.
• acute liver failure (jaundice, severe pain in the right hypochondrium).

Mental symptoms

Suicidal thoughts and behavior:

• expression of suicidal thoughts or intent.
• depression, apathy, loss of interest in life.

Psychoses:

• paranoid ideas, aggressive behavior.
• nonsense that cannot be corrected.

Additional risk factors

Age and general health:

• Old age and the presence of chronic diseases increase the risk of complications.
• presence of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.

History of previous binge drinking and withdrawal symptoms:

• history of alcohol delirium or seizures.

Social isolation:

• lack of support from loved ones who could help if the condition worsens.

Recommendations for action

Call an ambulance immediately:

• If you experience any of the above symptoms, you must call an ambulance immediately.

Consultation with a narcologist:

• Contact a specialist for recommendations on further treatment and withdrawal from binge drinking.

Creating a safe environment:

• Make sure the patient does not have access to alcohol or potentially dangerous objects.

Support from loved ones:

• The presence of family and friends can help stabilize the emotional state and provide the necessary assistance.

Thus, binge drinking requires serious attention and professional medical care. In the presence of severe withdrawal symptoms, alcoholic delirium, seizures and other life-threatening conditions, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately. Waiting for «it to get over it» can lead to serious complications and even death.