Alcohol addiction is the result of brain changes that make it difficult for a person to reduce or stop their alcohol use. The number of reasonable drinks per day or per week varies based on a number of factors. However, there is a point where it becomes clear that the occasional drink, or even a couple of drinks a day, turns into an alcohol use disorder.
TruHealing Gaithersburg’s alcohol addiction treatment programs offer a variety of treatment options tailored to an individual’s specific needs. Call our team today at (833) 625-0398 to speak with a trained professional who can help guide you in deciding which treatment options are your best course of action.
5 Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person suffers from an alcohol addiction, they are unable to control the amount they drink in spite of negative effects on their health, quality of life, and the problems drinking creates in their personal life. If you or someone you love is abusing alcohol, it may be time to seek help from an alcohol rehab program.
1. Dehydration
A common sign of alcohol withdrawal is dehydration. Alcohol consumption results in the need to urinate more frequently. Related symptoms may include:
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
2. Tremors
Tremors, commonly referred to as “the shakes,” can occur when someone has an alcohol addiction. Typically, tremors occur 5-10 hours after a person with an alcohol use disorder has had their last alcohol drink. This trembling effect can coincide with associated symptoms that may include:
- Rapid pulse
- Rise in blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Excessive alertness
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Nightmares
- Sleep problems
3. Trouble Focusing
A common sign of alcohol withdrawal includes difficulty focusing. There is a false belief that those with alcohol addiction do not get hangovers. In reality, the symptoms of a person with an alcohol addiction may present differently than a person who has only occasional drinks. Over time, your body adjusts to constant exposure to alcohol in many ways that are detrimental to your mental health and brain function. The ability to focus requires a sense of equilibrium that is disrupted by the negative effects of alcohol on both the mind and the body.
Related symptoms may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Brownouts or blackouts
- Dexterity issues or clumsiness
- Injury
4. Agitation
A person with an alcohol use disorder may be easily frustrated by daily tasks and expectations. They may relatedly feel high levels of irritability and have a tendency to lash out unexpectedly. As your body withdraws from alcohol, you may find yourself in an unpleasant mood. This can be a regular daily experience for someone with an alcohol addiction.
Related symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Mood swings
5. Depression
As the euphoric effects of alcohol subside, you may begin to feel anxious or depressed. Because people feel bad in these acute experiences of depression, it can problematically encourage further substance abuse to counteract the negative feelings.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal-related depression may include:
- Lack of energy
- Lack of enthusiasm for daily tasks
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Mood instability
- Sadness
- Despair
- Low self-worth
- Feelings of hopelessness or doom
- Crying without a clear reason
If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking, an addiction rehab program can help.
TruHealing Gaithersburg Can Provide Treatment for Alcohol Addiction Today
If you or your loved one is experiencing the painful and challenging issues surrounding alcohol addiction, we encourage you to reach out to the specialists at TruHealing Gaithersburg today. Contact us via our secure online form or by phone at (833) 625-0398 and a trained professional will help you decide on the treatment options that are best for you.