The Manitoba Liquor Strike has had many effects across the province as products have stayed at a standstill.
With Liquor stocks drying up, especially in more remote locations, some people may begin to feel the effects on their health.
Alcohol withdrawal is an often overlooked problem, due to the prevalence of drinking in many cultures, but Dr. Erin Knight says it's much more dangerous than people realize.
"Some of the early symptoms that people might notice if they are starting to have alcohol withdrawal is anxiety, insomnia, feeling sweaty or shakey, or nausea and vomiting are common signs."
The symptoms Dr. Knight has listed here are just the early stages, which can occur as early as 6 to 12 hours after the most recent drink.
As withdrawal progresses, Dr. Knight notes things can get much worse.
"Some people who are at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal can have more serious outcomes including seizures and delirium. In the context of alcohol withdrawal acute delirium is called Delirium Tremens, and if people do get to that stage of alcohol withdrawal it actually can be a fatal process if it's not treated properly"
Dr. Knight says it can be hard to predict who will have the more severe reactions to withdrawal effects, but notes that it can be exacerbated by combining other drugs with alcohol, primarily other sedatives.
As the body goes through this list of symptoms, Dr. Knight states these ailments peak around the 3-day mark before they subside, but that can change depending on how much alcohol an individual consumes.
Whether an individual is looking to quit drinking or runs into a situation where alcohol is not readily available, Dr. Knight recommends consulting a medical professional in order to mitigate these potentially deadly side effects.
For those looking for assistance with alcohol addiction, visit the Addiction Foundation of Manitoba's Website to find the local office that is closest.
