Tips for Coping With Withdrawal-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWithdrawal-Induced Nausea at a GlanceWhat to ExpectTips for CopingWhen to Seek Medical HelpOther Withdrawal SymptomsSevere Alcohol Withdrawal

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Withdrawal-Induced Nausea at a Glance

What to Expect

Tips for Coping

When to Seek Medical Help

Other Withdrawal Symptoms

Severe Alcohol Withdrawal

If you’ve decided to quit drinking, there’s a chance you may experience alcohol withdrawal. In fact, unless you go through a very gradualtapering process, usually under medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms are a normal and expected part of coming off alcohol and drugs. Getting sober is great for your health and well-being, but you may encounter some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms along the way, including nausea.

Two common withdrawal symptoms? Nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and vomiting. Nausea can be super annoying and uncomfortable, but there are several things you can do to care for yourself and find relief.

Deciding you want to quit drinking is an important step, but withdrawal is something you’ll need to get through first. And for many people, withdrawal means at least some nausea. If you’ve been using alcohol heavily, ask your doctor to supervise your detox to avoid potentially serious complications.

Understanding Nausea During Alcohol Withdrawal

Withdrawal nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms that occur among people who have beenaddicted to some drugs, particularly alcohol and opiates, or after developing a dependence after a period of intensesubstance use. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.

When does withdrawal-induced nausea begin?The symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal often become gradually worse in the first 2 to 3 days after the last time drugs or alcohol were consumed. Nausea and vomiting due to alcohol withdrawal begin about 6 to 24 hours after the last drink.

When does withdrawal-induced nausea begin?

The symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal often become gradually worse in the first 2 to 3 days after the last time drugs or alcohol were consumed. Nausea and vomiting due to alcohol withdrawal begin about 6 to 24 hours after the last drink.

The timeline for the onset of nausea and vomiting due to drug withdrawal depends on the type of drug used. For instance, nausea and vomiting associated with withdrawal from short-acting opioids occur about 8 to 24 hours after the last use of the drug.(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.

Tips for Coping With Nausea from Alcohol Withdrawal

The following strategies can help control nausea and vomiting during the withdrawal process:

Hydrate

One of the main risks with vomiting is dehydration, so get plenty of water or other clear drinks. If you’re throwing up liquids, try taking smaller sips of water.

Replace Electrolytes

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 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to 2 liters of water to make your own inexpensive rehydration fluid.

Try the BRAT Diet

You may prefer to avoid food until the initial acute withdrawal phase has passed. However, for some drugs (such asopiates), the acute phase may last several days to a week. 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.

If you’re having trouble eating without triggering your nausea, try eating small amounts of food more frequently instead of a few, large meals.

Use Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) may help ease your nausea and vomiting.You can also talk to a doctor or pharmacist for other OTC recommendations.

Create a Calm Environment

You’ll want to control your environment as best as you can. Make sure there are limited interruptions so you can focus on resting. If you can, take time off of work so you can fully recover from your withdrawal symptoms.

Try dimming the lights and avoiding any loud music or noises. Avoid strong smells if you can, 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.

Use Natural Remedies

Studies demonstrate that the active components of ginger can stop nausea and vomiting, and it’s for this reason that it is recommended to pregnant people and people undergoing chemotherapy.Try adding a teaspoon of dried ginger root or a few slices of fresh ginger to hot water to make a simple ginger tea.

Peppermint can also help relax the digestive system and alleviate nausea.Try smelling a few drops of peppermint essential oil or sipping some peppermint tea.

Lemons,cinnamon,and cumin extracthave all been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms. Foraromatherapy benefits, you can cut open a lemon and deeply inhale it, or you can add lemon juice to water. You can also try adding cinnamon or a few drops of cumin extract to tea or food.

Get Intravenous Fluids If Needed

How to Stop Yourself From Throwing Up

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 a doctor if withdrawal nausea and vomiting symptoms have not ended a week after discontinuing drug or alcohol use. A doctor can rule out or treat other possible causes of your symptoms and help you find relief.

You should also seek medical attention if other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are intolerable. There are medications such asbenzodiazepinesthat are used in some cases of alcohol withdrawal to help manage symptoms.Talk to a doctor about your options. Benzodiazepines come with a risk of dependence as well, so their use should be monitored carefully.

Other Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

In addition to nausea and vomiting, people with alcohol withdrawal syndrome may also experience other symptoms, including:

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.

How to Gauge the Severity of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Particularly if alcohol use has been severe and prolonged, a more severe, and potentially deadly, form of alcohol withdrawal calleddelirium tremens (DT)can occur.Symptoms usually start 48 to 96 hours after the last drink and may include:

If you or someone you love has any of these symptoms after stopping alcohol use, it can be a sign of a medical emergency, so you should seek treatment immediately.

Symptom Stages for Alcohol Withdrawal

Takeaways

Talk to a doctor if you have developed a dependence on alcohol and want to stop drinking. 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.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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15 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Muncie HL Jr, Yasinian Y, Oge' L.Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2013 Nov 1;88(9):589-595.Opioid receptor agonists. In:Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. Elsevier; 2016:348-380. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53717-1.01183-5World Health Organization.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. 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. 2017;47(2):505-519. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.09.013Brum JM, Gibb RD, Ramsey DL, Balan G, Yacyshyn BR.Systematic review and meta-analyses assessment of the clinical efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate for prevention and treatment of infectious diarrhea.Dig Dis Sci. 2021;66(7):2323-2335. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06509-7Boyuan Z, Yang C, Ke C, Xueyong S, Sheng L.Efficacy of acupuncture for psychological symptoms associated with opioid addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:313549. doi:10.1155/2014/313549Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Jafarimanesh H, Akbari M, Hoseinian R, Zarei M, Harorani M.The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.Integr Cancer Ther. 2020;19:1534735420967084. doi:10.1177/1534735420967084Yavari kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H.The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, Khajavikhan J, Khani A.The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(4):e27032. doi:10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032Amin EA, Ismail E, Mahboobeh R, Tabandeh S.The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):254. Published 2024 Jul 4. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04530-1Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, Chandra M.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):VE01-VE07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538Harvard Health Publishing.Alcohol withdrawal.MedlinePlus.Delirium tremens.

15 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Muncie HL Jr, Yasinian Y, Oge' L.Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2013 Nov 1;88(9):589-595.Opioid receptor agonists. In:Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. Elsevier; 2016:348-380. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53717-1.01183-5World Health Organization.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. 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. 2017;47(2):505-519. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.09.013Brum JM, Gibb RD, Ramsey DL, Balan G, Yacyshyn BR.Systematic review and meta-analyses assessment of the clinical efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate for prevention and treatment of infectious diarrhea.Dig Dis Sci. 2021;66(7):2323-2335. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06509-7Boyuan Z, Yang C, Ke C, Xueyong S, Sheng L.Efficacy of acupuncture for psychological symptoms associated with opioid addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:313549. doi:10.1155/2014/313549Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Jafarimanesh H, Akbari M, Hoseinian R, Zarei M, Harorani M.The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.Integr Cancer Ther. 2020;19:1534735420967084. doi:10.1177/1534735420967084Yavari kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H.The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, Khajavikhan J, Khani A.The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(4):e27032. doi:10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032Amin EA, Ismail E, Mahboobeh R, Tabandeh S.The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):254. Published 2024 Jul 4. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04530-1Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, Chandra M.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):VE01-VE07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538Harvard Health Publishing.Alcohol withdrawal.MedlinePlus.Delirium tremens.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Muncie HL Jr, Yasinian Y, Oge' L.Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2013 Nov 1;88(9):589-595.Opioid receptor agonists. In:Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. Elsevier; 2016:348-380. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-53717-1.01183-5World Health Organization.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. 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. 2017;47(2):505-519. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.09.013Brum JM, Gibb RD, Ramsey DL, Balan G, Yacyshyn BR.Systematic review and meta-analyses assessment of the clinical efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate for prevention and treatment of infectious diarrhea.Dig Dis Sci. 2021;66(7):2323-2335. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06509-7Boyuan Z, Yang C, Ke C, Xueyong S, Sheng L.Efficacy of acupuncture for psychological symptoms associated with opioid addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:313549. doi:10.1155/2014/313549Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Jafarimanesh H, Akbari M, Hoseinian R, Zarei M, Harorani M.The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.Integr Cancer Ther. 2020;19:1534735420967084. doi:10.1177/1534735420967084Yavari kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H.The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, Khajavikhan J, Khani A.The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(4):e27032. doi:10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032Amin EA, Ismail E, Mahboobeh R, Tabandeh S.The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):254. Published 2024 Jul 4. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04530-1Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, Chandra M.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):VE01-VE07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538Harvard Health Publishing.Alcohol withdrawal.MedlinePlus.Delirium tremens.

Muncie HL Jr, Yasinian Y, Oge' L.Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2013 Nov 1;88(9):589-595.

Opioid receptor agonists. In:Meyler’s 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 Settings. 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. 2017;47(2):505-519. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.09.013

Brum JM, Gibb RD, Ramsey DL, Balan G, Yacyshyn BR.Systematic review and meta-analyses assessment of the clinical efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate for prevention and treatment of infectious diarrhea.Dig Dis Sci. 2021;66(7):2323-2335. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06509-7

Boyuan Z, Yang C, Ke C, Xueyong S, Sheng L.Efficacy of acupuncture for psychological symptoms associated with opioid addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:313549. doi:10.1155/2014/313549

Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273

Jafarimanesh H, Akbari M, Hoseinian R, Zarei M, Harorani M.The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.Integr Cancer Ther. 2020;19:1534735420967084. doi:10.1177/1534735420967084

Yavari kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H.The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360

Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, Khajavikhan J, Khani A.The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea.Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(4):e27032. doi:10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032

Amin EA, Ismail E, Mahboobeh R, Tabandeh S.The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):254. Published 2024 Jul 4. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04530-1

Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, Chandra M.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):VE01-VE07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538

Harvard Health Publishing.Alcohol withdrawal.

MedlinePlus.Delirium tremens.

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