When someone is dealing with a drinking problem, and they decide to stop this dangerous pattern, they will face obstacles that will hamper their road to recovery. The most serious of all are alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These painful symptoms will come up during the detox process. However, an alcohol addiction treatment program is the best option to help people struggling with alcohol use disorder.
About Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal includes a collection of symptoms that alcoholics and binge drinkers face when they suddenly stop consuming alcohol. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Alcohol consumption changes the brain’s chemistry. After a long period of abuse, the body and the mind will adapt to its presence. Without it, an individual won’t be capable of functioning “normally.”
When a person drinks, the liver metabolizes alcohol, and any alcohol which has not been metabolized enters the brain. The alcohol suppresses certain parts of the brain and promotes joy and relaxation. Once someone stops drinking, the brain craves the feeling created when under the influence of alcohol, and the inability of the brain to adjust ultimately causes dangerous effects.
Withdrawal is very common in adults, but adolescents suffering from an alcohol use disorder can also experience it. Many individuals who suffer alcohol withdrawal symptoms get through it if they receive proper treatment. Because of this, it’s vital for regular and heavy drinkers to undergo a medically-supervised detox.
The withdrawal symptoms can start to show as early as two hours after someone has consumed their last drink, and is usually worst between the first 6 hours to three days. Some withdrawal symptoms may even persist for a week. The symptoms can impact alcoholics and binge drinkers who consume at least eight drinks a week, or people who have otherwise developed a dependency on alcohol. Thus, it’s often wise to enter a men’s rehab or women’s rehab center to get the round-the-clock treatment necessary.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal is different for everyone. Generally, what appears in the first six to 12 hours include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- High fever
- Headache
Although these are not extremely severe, people still need to be closely monitored by a professional. In the next 24 to 48 hours after drinking, other signs may appear such as:
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
- Delirium tremens
Of all the alcohol withdrawal symptoms listed above, delirium tremens is the most serious. This is characterized by severe physical symptoms, accompanied by an altered state of consciousness. It usually occurs between the 48-hour to 72-hour window following your last drink.
Although only 1 in 20 people experience this, everyone needs to prepare for it. People who drink a pint of alcohol for months at a time put themselves at risk of this condition. Someone who has delirium tremens may experience visual, tactile, and auditory hallucinations, as well as extreme confusion.
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms normally continue to appear up to 72 hours upon the last consumption of liquor. Other symptoms can still continue happening for weeks up to a year. This is called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) and includes:
- Emotional outbursts
- Consciousness loss
- Delayed reflexes
- Irritability and hostility
The onset of these symptoms may drive a former alcoholic who is in recovery to begin consuming alcohol again. This is why it’s crucial to seek help from a rehabilitation facility until all symptoms have subsided. In these facilities, participants can experience the support they need without fear of being judged. They will also take part in addiction treatment therapy programs to find the root cause of their condition and treat other co-occurring disorders.
We Can Help
Alcohol addiction can greatly affect individuals and their loved ones. This impact may even bleed through their personal, academic, and professional relationships. Thankfully, there are many methods to eliminate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and become successful on the journey to sobriety. The TruHealing Gaithersburg is here to guide you. Take the first step on the road to wellness. Call us now at (833) 625-0398.