ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL
Signs & Symptoms:
- Tremors
- Unsteady gait
- Anxiety
- Easily distracted / short attention span
- Gradual elevation of vital signs, especially temperature and pulse
- Insomnia
- Diaphoresis
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- DT’s – Delirium Tremens
- Possible death
Nursing Implications:
- May present with elevated blood pressure
- Peak withdrawal within 36-48 hours due to short half-life of alcohol
- Resolution of withdrawal symptoms within 4-5 days
OPIATE & NARCOTICS WITHDRAWAL
- High pulse rate
- Rapid respirations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Pinpoint or dilated pupils
- Deep bone pain
- Gooseflesh
- Hot flashes or chills
- Anorexia
- Sweating
- Tearing / watery eyes
- General anxiety
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Twitches / tremors
- Convulsions
- Yawning
- Irritability
- Panic
COCAINE WITHDRAWAL
- Impaired sleep patterns
- Extreme depression
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
