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.