Where an individual is experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking (which may include but are not limited to: seizures, shakes, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, stomach cramps or hallucinations) they should be advised to seek medical help urgently.
The following messages can be given to anyone asking for help with their own or someone else’s dependent drinking:
Warning
It's important to remember that the Dry January® challenge might not be right for everyone who wants to take part. If you are worried that you may be physically dependent on alcohol and/or experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking then please speak to your GP who can advise the safest next steps based on your drinking levels and medical history. Withdrawal symptoms can include: fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. You can find out more information on the Alcohol Change UK website here: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now
If someone you know is taking part in the Dry January® challenge and they experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking such as fits, shaking, sweating, nausea, stomach cramps or visual hallucinations, please advise them that they should seek medical help immediately. If you suspect that someone has had a fit/seizure then advise them to seek urgent medical help through their A&E or ambulance service.
If you have concerns about the drinking of someone you know, there are services that can help them to gain control over their drinking. Find out about these services on the NHS website.
In most areas, there are also services that can support you whilst you are caring for your loved one. You can find more information about the support available and how to best help your loved one on the Adfam website.
If individuals express concerns about their emotions or their difficulties with cravings or any other negative effect that they may experience when stopping drinking, you should acknowledge these issues and signpost those individuals to further help.
These effects may include, but are not limited to: feelings of isolation, anxiety, low mood or depression, cravings for alcohol, short temper, disturbed sleep or vivid dreams, inability to cope with other stressors, feelings of failure or inadequacy (e.g. if they decide to have a drink or are having difficulty controlling cravings).
The following messages can be disseminated to individuals who are experiencing emotional difficulties or who are supporting someone else who is experiencing these symptoms:
Making a change, even a change for the better, can feel hard. When we stop drinking, this can have an impact on how we think, feel and react, especially when our body is adjusting. These might include feeling low or isolated or irritable and short tempered. Cravings can be a common part of the process, especially if you drank alcohol regularly. You can join the Dry January® challenge private Facebook group, where you can get positive support from other people who are taking part. If you’ve had a slip up and had a drink, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your challenge. Reflect on what led to the slip-up and see if there is anything you could do differently next time.
These symptoms will pass but if they don’t subside in a few days get in touch with your GP for some advice. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or email them at [email protected] at any time. You can also text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for 24/7 confidential support via text message.
We know that taking part in the Dry January® challenge brings lots of mental and physical health benefits, but if someone you know seems to be anxious, depressed or irritable, this can be normal during the first few days, as their body adjusts to being alcohol free. These symptoms should pass in a few days, and in the meantime, you can help by letting them talk through their feelings. You can also suggest that they join the Dry January® challenge private Facebook page, a positive online community for participants that will give them lots of encouragement and support. If they’ve had a slip up, encourage to carry on with the challenge and seek further support if they are struggling more than they expected.
If these symptoms don’t improve or worsen after a few days, it’s advisable that they visit their GP. Please also pass on to them the Samaritans number: 116 123 or their email service [email protected]. You can also share details for 24/7 confidential text messaging service called Shout, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
"Dry January®" and our logo (below) are both registered trade marks of [Alcohol Change UK/Alcohol Research UK]. All trade marks, imagery and other content on this website are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
