Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Nausea and Vomiting From Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal When to Seek Medical Help By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 20, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 09, 2020 Print Tom Merton / OJO Images / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Coping With Nausea and Vomiting When to Seek Medical Help Other Withdrawal Symptoms Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Unless you go through a very gradual tapering process, usually under medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms are a normal and expected part of coming off alcohol and drugs. Two common withdrawal symptoms are nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and vomiting. Withdrawal nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms that occur among people who have been addicted to some drugs, particularly alcohol and opiates, or even after developing a dependence after a period of intense substance use. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. How to Cope With Nausea and Vomiting The following strategies can help control withdrawal nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often become gradually worse in the first two to three days after the last time drugs or alcohol were consumed. Symptoms of nausea can begin approximately six to 12 hours after the last drink. Vomiting may then follow during the first 12 to 24 hours. Over-the-counter medication: Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subcarbonate) may help ease symptoms.Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to provide some relief. If you can't get an acupuncturist to visit, you can stimulate the point associated with relieving nausea by pressing or gently massaging the area on your wrist about two inches down from the crease at the base of your hand, just between the tendons.Hydration: One of the main risks with vomiting is dehydration, so get plenty of water or other clear drinks.Electrolyte replacement: Fluid loss is not the only problem with dehydration; you also risk the loss of electrolytes, particularly if you also have diarrhea. Drinking rehydration fluid, which is available from drug stores, can help you avoid this. You can also add one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt to two liters of water to make your own inexpensive rehydration fluid.Diet: You may prefer to avoid food until the initial acute withdrawal phase has passed, although for some drugs, such as opiates, this may last several days to a week. When you feel able to eat, choose bland foods such as toast, white rice, and bananas and avoid spicy foods. When to Seek Medical Help Remember, although nausea and vomiting are a normal part of withdrawal, if these symptoms continue, they could indicate another underlying condition such as pregnancy, food poisoning, migraine headaches, or peptic ulcer. See your doctor if withdrawal nausea and vomiting symptoms have not ended a week after discontinuing drug or alcohol use. Your doctor can rule out or treat other possible causes. The wear and tear caused by repeated vomiting may result in vomiting blood. However, blood in your vomit could indicate a very serious medical condition. Therefore, if you see any blood in your vomit at any time, you should seek medical attention immediately. Other Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal In addition to nausea and vomiting, people with alcohol withdrawal syndrome may also experience other symptoms, including: TremorsHeadachesRapid heartbeatIrritabilityInsomniaHigh blood pressureConfusionDepressionAnxietyNightmaresMood swingsFatigueJitterinessClouded thinkingClammy skinSleeping problemsAppetite lossPalenessSweating As with nausea and vomiting, if these symptoms don't go away after you have stopped using alcohol or drugs for a week or so, they could indicate another medical condition, and you should see a doctor. Ongoing feelings of depression or anxiety, or severe, uncontrollable mood swings may indicate that you have another medical condition that may require treatment. Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Particularly if alcohol use has been severe and prolonged, a more severe, and potentially deadly, form of alcohol withdrawal called called delirium tremens (DT) can occur. Symptoms usually start 48 to 96 hours after the last drink and may include: FearConfusionAgitationProblems focusingMood swingsHallucinationsDeliriumFeverChanges in blood pressureRapid heart rate If you or someone you love has any of these symptoms after stopping alcohol use, this can be a sign of a medical emergency, so you should seek treatment immediately. What It's Like to Go Through the DTs A Word From Verywell Talk to your doctor if you have developed a dependence on alcohol and want to stop drinking. Your doctor can offer advice on treatment options and supervise your withdrawal. Appropriate treatment is essential for overcoming alcohol use disorder. Medications such as Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam) can help you manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Psychotherapy and support groups can also be helpful for supporting long-term recovery. What to Expect From Alcohol Withdrawal Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lin JG, Chan YY, Chen YH. Acupuncture for the treatment of opiate addiction. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:739045. doi:10.1155/2012/739045 Harvard Health Publishing. Alcohol Withdrawal. 2019. MedlinePlus. Delirium tremens. Updated April 9, 2020.