This is article 4897 of Dayi Xiaonu
In October 2023, the staff of the joint rescue station of the people's police sent a male patient. The reason is that the patient yells at the station, speaks incoherently, tells that he is capable, and says that the people around him want to harm him, and someone follows him...... , irritable emotions, impulsive and risk of hurting others. He was sent to the hospital for treatment because of his mental abnormality.
The patient was uncooperative, emotional, told that he had come to Shanghai to work, felt that someone was following him, wanted to harm himself, and that it was not safe in the hospital, and he could hear someone saying "you go quickly, go quickly, these people are not safe ......", there were verbal auditory hallucinations, and his hands trembled slightly.
The police station contacted the family and learned that the patient's hometown was somewhere in Anhui, and he had a drinking history of more than 20 years. Despite falling and injuring himself after drinking, neglecting his children's grades, and having conflicts with his wife, he continued to drink more and more. In order to drink, they will not hesitate to lie and quarrel. I also wanted to quit drinking, but when I suddenly quit drinking, I felt various discomforts such as shaking hands, decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure. Every attempt to quit drinking failed.
My son is admitted to university this year and plans to go out to work to earn more money. Because I was worried that my workplace would not allow me to drink, I quit drinking two days before this trip.
After being admitted to the hospital, the patient has panic, leading to verbal auditory hallucinations, poor sleep at night, and vivid visual hallucinations at night - seeing insects and spiders crawling on the ceiling and on the body, and disappearing when touching the spider with his hands, there is a delusion of victimization. Shaking hands, sweating, unsteady walking, slightly low blood potassium, craving for alcohol, consider: mental and behavioral disorders caused by alcohol use, alcohol dependence and withdrawal. Diazepam substitution therapy, vitamin B and vitamin C nutritional therapy, potassium chloride extended-release tablets for potassium supplementation, and antipsychotic drugs for symptomatic treatment.
1. Definition of alcohol abstinence
Alcohol withdrawal, also known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, refers to a series of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms that occur after a long-term heavy drinker suddenly stops or drastically reduces the amount of alcohol consumed. This is because the body has adapted to the presence of alcohol, and when the alcohol suddenly decreases or disappears, the body reacts.
2. Manifestations of withdrawal symptoms
Common withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, depression, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, etc. In some severe cases, severe psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and epilepsy may also occur.
3. Causes of withdrawal symptoms
The appearance of these symptoms is mainly due to the effects of alcohol on the body and brain. Alcohol interferes with the body's neurotransmitter balance and affects the normal functioning of the brain. When alcohol suddenly stops or decreases, it takes time for these affected systems to adjust to the new state, during which a variety of withdrawal symptoms occur.
4. Management of withdrawal symptoms
Mild withdrawal symptoms can be relieved by resting, maintaining a good diet and sleeping habits, etc. But if the symptoms are severe, you need to seek help from your doctor, and some medications may be needed to help the patient get through this stage.
5. Risk of alcohol withdrawal
There are certain risks associated with alcohol withdrawal, especially if the patient abstains from alcohol on their own. Withdrawal symptoms may cause the patient to re-drink, creating a vicious cycle. In addition, for some patients who have been drinking heavily for a long time, sudden withdrawal from alcohol may also cause acute reactions in the body, such as arrhythmia, high blood pressure, etc., and even life-threatening. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is related to individual differences and degree of dependence.
6. Advice on healthy abstinence
The key to a healthy abstinence is to gradually reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, not stop it suddenly. In addition, it is very important to seek help from a doctor and family. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a good diet, adequate sleep, and proper exercise, all contribute to alcohol cessation success.
Overall, quitting alcohol is a process that requires patience and determination, but with the scientific approach and proper support, we can all successfully quit drinking and regain a healthy life.
Author: Fengxian District Mental Health Center, Shanghai
Department of Psychiatry: Wang Chunlian, attending physician
Wang Jinde is the attending physician
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