Two common withdrawal symptoms?

Nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and vomiting.

And for many people, withdrawal means at least some nausea.

glass of water on counter with man vomiting in toilet in background

Tom Merton / OJO Images / Getty Images

Symptoms may range from mild to severe.

When does withdrawal-induced nausea begin?

Nausea and vomiting due to alcohol withdrawal begin about 6 to 24 hours after the last drink.

(Heroinis an example of a short-acting opioid.)

For long-acting opioids such as methadone, nausea and vomiting occur 12 to 48 hours after last use.

Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting benzodiazepines, such asoxazepamandalprazolam, begin 1 to 2 days after the last dose.

The onset is 2 to 7 days for long-acting benzodiazepines, such asdiazepam.

Withdrawal symptoms from stimulants such ascocainebegin about 24 hours after the last dose.

If you’re throwing up liquids, try taking smaller sips of water.

When you feel able to eat, try following BRAT diet.

BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Also, avoid fatty, salty, or spicy foods.

verify there are limited interruptions so you’re free to focus on resting.

If you could, take time off of work so you could fully recover from your withdrawal symptoms.

Try dimming the lights and avoiding any loud music or noises.

Avoid strong smells if you’re free to, as these can trigger nausea.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncturehas been shown to provide some relief foropiate withdrawal.

It is sometimes used to help with nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy as well.

Lemons,cinnamon,and cumin extracthave all been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms.

you could also try adding cinnamon or a few drops of cumin extract to tea or food.

A doctor can rule out or treat other possible causes of your symptoms and help you find relief.

The wear and tear due to repeated vomiting may result in vomiting blood.

But blood in your vomit could also indicate a very serious medical condition.

If you see any blood in your vomit at any time, you should seek medical attention immediately.

You should also seek medical attention if other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are intolerable.

Benzodiazepines come with a risk of dependence as well, so their use should be monitored carefully.

They can offer advice on treatment options and supervise your withdrawal.

Appropriate treatment is essential for overcoming alcohol use disorder.Psychotherapyandsupport groupscan also be helpful for supporting long-term recovery.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Muncie HL Jr, Yasinian Y, Oge' L.Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Am Fam Physician.

2013 Nov 1;88(9):589-595.

In:Meylers Side Effects of Drugs.

Elsevier; 2016:348-380. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53717-1.01183-5

World Health Organization.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed parameters.

Geneva: World Health Organization.

National Library of Medicine.Nausea and vomiting.

Tello L, Perez-Freytes R.Fluid and electrolyte therapy during vomiting and diarrhea.Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract.

2014;16(3):e14360.

2015;17(4):e27032.

2024;24(1):254.

2015;9(9):VE01-VE07.

doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538

Harvard Health Publishing.Alcohol withdrawal.