Whether from binge drinking or having a few drinks regularly every night, getting the body accustomed to alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependency and addiction. For those who try to stop drinking, painful and frustrating withdrawal symptoms may occur. These symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be severe, which is why it is a good idea to have medical support any time a person detoxes from alcohol. It’s important to know the warning signs of alcohol withdrawal so that you can take steps to minimize them. If you or someone you know are showing the warning signs of alcohol withdrawal, contact us at our alcohol detox center at 833.514.0579.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone stops drinking alcohol suddenly after drinking heavily for some time. Alcohol withdrawal is a sign of dependency and may be a sign of a substance use disorder.
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when the body and brain become reliant on alcohol to function normally. The body adapts to having alcohol in its system, and the brain gets used to the release of feel-good chemicals each time a person has a drink.
When someone stops drinking suddenly, the brain and body are suddenly left without the alcohol they depend upon. As a result, withdrawal symptoms may arise as the body and brain adjust to being sober.
For the most part, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are manageable. There are some, though, that can become dangerous and may need medical intervention. For this reason, it’s a good idea to bring a medical provider to the table to discuss quitting alcohol if you or someone you love may have a dependency on it. There are medications and treatments that may help minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms so that they are less likely to cause problems.
The Warning Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
There are a few warning signs of alcohol withdrawal. To begin with, you may have symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Shakiness
- Insomnia
These are uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. However, as withdrawal progresses, additional symptoms may occur. Those alcohol withdrawal symptoms could include:
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- A high fever
- Excessive sweating
- Delirium tremens
Of these, perhaps the most dangerous is delirium tremens, nicknamed “DTs.” Delirium tremens is a potentially life-threatening complication of severe alcohol withdrawal. It may cause seizures, confusion, audio or visual hallucinations, and other serious symptoms. Within 48 hours, most symptoms, especially delirium tremens, seizures, and high blood pressure, are present if they’re going to occur.
Not all people have severe withdrawal symptoms. Within around five days, most people begin to see an improvement.
Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Dangerous?
Not all alcohol withdrawal symptoms are dangerous, but some are. If a client goes through detox using medications to assist and prevent symptoms, the symptoms will be less. Tapering off alcohol also helps minimize symptoms.
A general timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms starts at six to twelve hours after your last drink and may result in symptoms like shaking or headaches. It could take up to 24 hours to start seeing serious effects like seizures and disorientation.
Contact Avedis Recovery in Tarzana, California, for Help With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol detox can be dangerous, which is why it’s a good idea to work with a detox clinic to address the worst of the symptoms. Good preparation for detoxing can help minimize the symptoms and frustration of alcohol withdrawal. At our detox center in Tarzana, CA, we work with clients to help them get through alcohol withdrawal symptoms and move forward with their lives. If you or someone you love is looking for support, contact us at Avedis Recovery today at 833.514.0579.
