Certain treatment and programs may curtail alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A history and physical exam will be done to rule out other any other cause of the symptoms. While there is no test to determine if a person is an alcoholic, the negative effects of alcohol on the body can be seen. Liver function tests can measure liver damage. Special tests, called MRIs and ultrasounds, can check the different organs inside the body for damage.
Alcohol withdrawal can lead to DTs, which can be fatal if untreated.
A person may find it hard to handle stressful situations and may begin drinking again. A person going through withdrawal may be a threat to others due to delusions and hallucinations. The goals of treatment are to treat the immediate withdrawal symptoms, to prevent complications, and to begin long-term preventive treatment. In mild forms of alcohol withdrawal, medication may be given to make the person feel relaxed and less agitated. A person with more severe forms of withdrawal needs to be hospitalized for the detoxification time.