Close monitoring of the heart rate, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure are important during the first stages of alcohol withdrawal. After the urgent medical problems are resolved, a detoxification and rehabilitation program should be started. In the first phase of treatment, alcohol is completely withdrawn. Then an alcoholic has to change his or her behavior. Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are encouraged.
Side effects vary, depending on the medications used.
For instance, antidepressants may cause irritability and shakiness. Sedatives can be addicting. A person who completes treatment often will continue some form of counseling or self-help group. A person in alcohol recovery will often voluntarily continue to attend self-help groups for the rest of his or her life. A person who starts drinking again will most likely go through alcohol withdrawal again.