Can Benadryl Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?
When you stop drinking after a prolonged period of heavy alcohol use, your body may go into alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). This can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and hand tremors. While these symptoms are incredibly uncomfortable, they will eventually go away. For most people, the worst symptoms will dissipate after five to seven days of sobriety.
Benadryl is made from a chemical called diphenhydramine. It is typically given to reduce sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergies or colds. Some people use it to treat insomnia and motion sickness. Because of these benefits, some individuals may take Benadryl when they go through alcohol withdrawal.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal tends to have the worst symptoms on the third day after you quit drinking. Normally, these minor symptoms will resolve within a week. You are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if you have been drinking heavily for a long time. In addition, people are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they’ve had them in the past.
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, so your body increases your nervous activity to counteract alcohol’s impact whenever you drink. When you stop drinking, your brain and nervous system remain in this overactive state because they expect alcohol to be present. This process is the main reason why withdrawal symptoms happen. During alcohol withdrawal, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
In severe cases of withdrawal, you may develop something known as delirium tremens. Other than typical withdrawal symptoms, you may experience more severe side effects, like changes in your mental function, body tremors, and delirium. Some people fall into a deep sleep that lasts for a day or more. You may also suffer from hallucinations, fevers, restlessness, and seizures.
Delirium tremens is more common in people who have had it when they quit drinking before. Because it can be a life-threatening complication, it is important to get medical help if you think you are experiencing delirium tremens.
The Role of Benadryl in Alcohol Withdrawal
Benadryl cannot stop you from going through alcohol withdrawal. However, it may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. For example, Benadryl can help with insomnia and sleep issues. It is not a substitute for seeking appropriate medical care, so it is essential to get professional help if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
How Benadryl Works
Benadryl is an antihistamine, so it is used to treat allergies. It can also help with inducing sleep and alleviating motion sickness. In addition, because it blocks histamines, it can reverse bronchoconstriction in your airways.
It can block your sodium channels and acetylcholine receptors, among its other effects. It can also limit how much serotonin is absorbed in your body. These effects are the reason why it is considered a sedative. As a first-generation antihistamine, Benadryl generally has more unintended side effects than second-generation antihistamines.
Benadryl can alleviate itchy, watery eyes and runny noses when used appropriately. Other than treating allergies, you can use it for insect bites and hay fever. While there are upsides to using this drug, you may also experience some of the following adverse side effects:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Coordination issues
- Headaches
- Abdominal discomfort
Is Benadryl Effective for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some people feel that Benadryl can help during alcohol withdrawal. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it is effective. During a medically assisted detox, medical professionals can administer benzodiazepines and other medications for treating and alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Studies have shown that these medications help mitigate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
If you choose to go through alcohol withdrawal at home, Benadryl is known for assisting with insomnia. It also has a sedative effect, so it may help you feel less anxious and restless. The proper treatment depends on your unique circumstances. While Benadryl can help some people, it might not be the right choice for everyone. In addition, you should consult with your doctor before taking any medications during alcohol withdrawal.
Benadryl May Affect Your Normal Sleep Cycle
You should be aware that Benadryl impacts your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Some people use Benadryl to fall asleep. While antihistamines can help alleviate insomnia, they can lose effectiveness over time. In addition, they can reduce the quality of your sleep, increase your daytime sleepiness, and slow your reaction time. Because of this, Benadryl should not be used as a long-term solution to insomnia.
Anxiety
Some people try taking Benadryl for anxiety, but this is not considered an effective use of the drug. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so it can make you feel calm. There is no research to back up its effectiveness at reducing anxiety. While there is no research supporting Benadryl’s usage for anxiety, some people still take this medication for its calm-inducing benefits.
Can You Overdose on Benadryl?
It is possible to overdose on Benadryl. If you overdose, Benadryl can cause convulsions and hallucinations. In severe cases, it can even lead to death. Major side effects are more likely if you are using antidepressants, alcohol, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepines because these drugs can interact with Benadryl.
Is Benadryl Safe?
While Benadryl is generally considered safe, the FDA has issued a warning about consuming this medication in high doses. Studies also show that long-term use of this drug can increase your chances of developing dementia. Fortunately, you can limit these risks by using Benadryl according to your doctor’s instructions for a short period of time.
Treatments for Alcohol Withdrawal
Roughly 46.3 million people over the age of 12 suffer from a substance use disorder in the United States. In total, 29.5 million people have an alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, only a fraction of these individuals seek treatment. About 7.7% of young adults and 12.3% of adults over the age of 26 pursue treatment for a substance use disorder each year.
Detoxing at Home
If you decide to get treatment for an alcohol use disorder, there are a range of options you can choose from. You should never try detoxing on your own. If you are considering detoxing at home, you should talk to your doctor first. They can let you know if going through alcohol withdrawal outside of a treatment center is a safe option for you. If you go ahead with detoxing at home, you will need to schedule daily check-ins with a medical professional. You will need to find a trusted person to be with you and call for medical assistance if necessary. It is also a good idea to talk to an alcohol use disorder specialist to have a plan after your withdrawal symptoms have subsided. They can work with you to decide on your next steps when embracing a sober lifestyle.
Professional Detox
Your doctor may suggest that you go to a treatment center because detoxing at home is not a safe option, given your history with alcohol or if you have other physical health issues. They may also suggest entering a rehab center if you have a co-occurring mental health disorder that will complicate your treatment. Alternatively, some people decide on a professional detox because they feel they are likely to relapse during the alcohol withdrawal timeframe.
When you check in at a treatment center, medical professionals will monitor your health around the clock. These professionals can also give you medications to help with anxiety and sleeplessness. The goal of the staff will be to help you be as comfortable as possible during alcohol withdrawal.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
After your detox program is finished, you can choose to take part in inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. An inpatient rehabilitation center provides full-time support so that you can recover without being distracted or tempted. Meanwhile, outpatient programs allow you to visit the treatment center for a few hours daily. During this type of treatment, you can continue to go to work or school. If you have a mild to moderate addiction, you may be able to attend outpatient treatment.
Counseling and Therapy
Whether you decide to detox at home or enter a residential or inpatient program, you can engage in a variety of counseling and therapy options. Through therapy, you can understand your triggers and how your substance use disorder works. You may also gain a better understanding of the underlying reasons why you use drugs or alcohol. A therapist will help you develop strategies to prevent relapse and assist you in understanding triggers that may cause you to drink.
Sometimes, people use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate for co-occurring disorders. For example, they may use alcohol to calm down when they are dealing with anxiety. A different individual may use opioids to treat chronic back pain. These co-occurring disorders must be treated during rehabilitation. Otherwise, you may be tempted to self-treat your disorder by relapsing.
You can also get help through group and family therapy programs. Group therapy often involves six to 12 other clients who have similar substance use disorders. In family therapy, everyone in the family is given counseling and support. Basically, family therapy gives your family members the tools they need to help in your recovery process.
Self-Help Groups
Self-help groups are a popular option for people who are in recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most famous self-help groups for substance use disorders. With a support group, you can reduce your sense of isolation or shame. In addition, these groups help you build a sober support network that can help you avoid a relapse.
Finding Treatment Programs in Your Area
If you don’t know how to get treatment for your alcohol use disorder, Alcohol Awareness can help. We have a free hotline you can call to get 24/7 help. In addition to addiction-related resources, we also offer information about local treatment centers. Contact us at (855) 955-0771 today. We can connect you with support in your area to start your recovery journey.