Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?

Are Your Symptoms Mild, Moderate, or Severe?

1. When you stop drinking, do you have trouble sleeping?
2. When you stop drinking, do you get a headache?
3. When you stop drinking, do you feel anxious, nervous or jumpy?
4. When you stop drinking, do you experience a rapid heart rate?
5. When you stop drinking, do you get irritated or easily excited?
6. When you stop drinking, do you experience nausea or vomiting?
7. When you stop drinking, does your body shake or make involuntary movements?
8. When you stop drinking, do you become confused?
9. When you stop drinking, do you experience convulsions or hallucinations?
10. When you stop drinking, do you become disoriented and unable to recall the experience?
Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: No to Very Mild Withdrawal Symptoms
I got No to Very Mild Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some Withdrawal Symptoms Are Very Mild. © Getty Images

Your alcohol withdrawal symptoms appear to be very mild, and probably will not continue for very long. However, you may still want to consult your healthcare provider before trying to quit. If you haven't tried to quit drinking in awhile, you could experience some unexpected symptoms.

The longer it has been since you last tried to quit, the more likely that any withdrawal symptoms you experience will be more severe than the last time you tried.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: Mild Withdrawal Symptoms
I got Mild Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some Symptoms Are Relatively Mild. © Getty Images

According to your responses on the quiz, your alcohol withdrawal symptoms appear to be mild, but you will probably experience some unpleasantness if you try to quit cold turkey. You may want to consult your healthcare provider before trying to quit drinking. If it has been some time since you last tried to quit, you could experience some symptoms you did not have in the past.

If it has been awhile since you last tried to quit, chances are the withdrawal symptoms you experience this time will be more severe than last time.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms
I got Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some Withdrawal Symptoms Are Unpleasant. © Getty Images

Your quiz answers indicate that your alcohol withdrawal symptoms are probably mild to moderate, which means that you could probably benefit from consulting with your healthcare provder before you try to quit drinking. There are medical treatments available that will lessen the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.

One of the main reasons that people who try to quit fail to do so is because they drink again to relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you want to quit drinking, or have been told you need to quit, we want you to be successful. Getting treatment for your withdrawal symptoms can improve your chances.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms
I got Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some Symptoms Can Be Dangerous. © Getty Images

Based on your responses to the quiz questions, your alcohol withdrawal symptoms appear to be in the moderate range, meaning you should definitely consult your healthcare provider before trying to quit drinking on your own. Your doctor can prescribe medications that can lessen the unpleasantness you would otherwise experience when you stop drinking.

Many people who try to quit drinking fail because they start drinking again to relieve their withdrawal symptoms. Getting some medical help with your symptoms can greatly improve your chances of quitting successfully.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: Moderate to Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
I got Moderate to Severe Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Withdrawal Symptoms Can Be Severe. © Getty Images

Your alcohol withdrawal symptoms should probably be considered in the moderate to severe range, based on your responses. Therefore, you do not want to try to quit drinking without first consulting your healthcare provider or an alcohol and drug specialist. Trying to ​quit drinking cold turkey, on your own could prove to be dangerous.

When most people experience severe symptoms when they quit drinking, their first reaction is to pick up a drink to relieve those symptoms. Your chances of quitting and staying quit will improve if you get medical treatment for withdrawal.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
You got: Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
I got Severe Withdrawal Symptoms. Are You Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal?
Some Symptoms Can Be Life-Threatening. © Getty Images

Your answers to our questions indicate that your alcohol withdrawal symptoms are in the severe range. Do not try to quit drinking without first consulting your healthcare provider or a professional detox center. If you try to quit drinking cold turkey, on your own, your withdrawal symptoms could become very severe, even life-threatening.

There is no reason for you to try to "white knuckle" it when you try to quit. Medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms is readily available and will increase your chances of achieving lasting sobriety.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.

By Buddy T
Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.