When you drink, alcohol changes your brain chemistry. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence, which encourages you to consume more alcohol. It can also disrupt your life. For example, when you drink, you enjoy a feeling of euphoria. However, when you quit, you’ll experience various highly uncomfortable symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Sometimes, a few days after you stop drinking, you will experience symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, foggy thinking, and heart palpitations. If you experience any symptoms that last more than a few hours, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Usually, a doctor will recommend alcohol detox as this provides a safe and effective way to quit alcohol altogether.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be painful, lasting for several days, and dangerous if left untreated. However, with alcohol detox treatment, many people make it through this difficult time. Some medications can help alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. For this reason, it is best to seek medical attention if you suspect you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. In milder cases, you can handle the symptoms at home and may also receive counseling to help you manage the symptoms. Make sure that you take time for rest and allow your body to heal. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, you should contact an ambulance immediately. You should also be sure to get help directly if you notice a sudden increase in your heart rate or blood pressure.
While the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms will depend on your health, alcohol addiction, and how long you’ve been drinking, the following symptoms are common. In general, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, but they typically subside in about five days. You’ll need to see your doctor for more frequent monitoring and medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Detox centers often prescribe Benzodiazepine sedatives to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe these drugs daily or on a fixed schedule.
How Alcohol Detox Eases Withdrawal Symptoms
Getting a thorough diagnosis and professional treatment is a critical first step to recovery from alcohol use disorder. During detoxification, your body will begin to remove alcohol from your system. While it is normal to experience uncomfortable side effects, a thorough professional detox program can help minimize them. The first stage of alcohol withdrawal occurs within a day or two after you stop drinking, and this can be called the early abstinence phase. In this phase, you’ll identify your triggers, determine your coping skills, and learn how to prevent a relapse. The second stage of withdrawal can be called the tapering-off phase. You’ll reduce your alcohol consumption gradually, but you may still have some withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Detox Can Even Assist High-Functioning Alcoholics
Those with high-functioning alcoholism may also benefit from alcohol detox, but the biggest challenge is getting them to admit they have a problem in the first place. These are people who are successful in their careers and at home. However, they don’t recognize that their drinking habits are becoming problematic, which can indicate that other issues are also affecting their life. Functional alcoholics usually drink to cope with stress, especially in their professional lives. In addition to having children or getting married, functional alcoholics enjoy drinking with friends and are typically in long-term relationships.
Due to their professional responsibilities, they often feel they have the right to drink heavily. These people do not seek treatment for their addiction, and this denial is what sustains their addiction. They may hide their problems from their family and friends and make excuses, such as “everyone else drinks” or “I’m in control.” They can only function in society and their work or home life for so long before their drinking behavior affects their health. The longer they drink, the more likely they are to develop heart disease, cirrhosis, and cancer.
They also have an increased risk of driving under the influence. There is a continuum of treatment settings, including residential treatment facilities and intensive outpatient treatment. The best programs include peer support groups, behavioral therapy, and medications. However, when they agree to seek treatment, alcohol detox helps them cope with the extreme withdrawal symptoms and encourages them to follow through with their resolution to put drinking behind them. If you want to learn more about the efficacy of alcohol detox treatments, please call our counselors at 844-639-8371.