Alcohol use is prevalent in our society, and because of this, alcohol use disorder can be challenging to overcome. Fortunately, with alcohol withdrawal treatment, medical care, and professional treatment advice, you can manage withdrawal symptoms and overcome alcohol abuse.
Beginning your alcohol detox is the first step in reducing alcohol dependence and pursuing a life of sobriety. Treatment centers specializing in alcohol withdrawal, alcohol use disorder, alcohol addiction, and addiction treatment can help you overcome short-term alcohol withdrawal and long-term alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Withdrawal: What to Expect
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops using alcohol after a period of heavy drinking or alcohol abuse. The only way to overcome alcohol withdrawal is through full-scale alcohol detox. An alcohol detox will involve refraining from alcohol consumption to completely flush alcohol from the body. Once you begin your alcohol detox, withdrawal symptoms can last for one to two weeks, depending on the nature of the alcohol addiction. The central nervous system needs this time to recover from alcohol dependence.
This process is difficult and painful, so it is important to find the right substance abuse treatment plan that will focus on overcoming alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol detox can be dangerous! Never undergo alcohol detox without the supervision of a medical professional.
At Enlight Treatment Center, we provide a comfortable and safe environment to undergo alcohol detox. With the help of our addiction specialists, you can effectively complete the detox process and begin your road to recovery.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from mild symptoms to severe withdrawal symptoms. Mild symptoms can occur within hours after a person stops drinking, and may include anxiety, headache, nausea, vomiting, or sweating. More severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will begin to occur 12-48 hours after consumption of the last drink and include hallucinations, panic attacks, or seizures. The more severe withdrawal symptoms are high blood pressure, confusion, fever, and a racing heart rate. These can be life-threatening and require immediate alcoholism treatment.
Individuals who suffer from severe alcohol dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms such as alcohol cravings, panic attacks, and high blood pressure should stop drinking alcohol and begin the alcohol detox process as soon as possible. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is uncomfortable and oftentimes painful, but an alcohol detox program can help with the many challenges that arise during a period of alcohol withdrawal.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens, or DTs, is one of the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium Tremens can be described as a sudden onset of confusion that typically occurs within two to five days of alcohol detox. The withdrawal symptoms often manifest in the form of nightmares, hallucinations, sweating, agitation, or general confusion. Already-existing medical conditions can also harm a person experiencing delirium tremens, so individuals struggling with the most serious of these withdrawal symptoms should work with a medical professional or treatment facility to begin an alcohol detox plan.
In a more mild case of alcohol withdrawal, delirium tremens are some of the most uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, for someone experiencing more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, delirium tremens can be life-threatening. Treatment centers with alcohol detox programs can help reduce the physical symptoms and life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. In more severe cases, inpatient treatment may be needed to overcome delirium tremens.
