Alcohol addiction can cause severe and long-lasting health problems. If you’re dependent on alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop drinking or dramatically reduce your alcohol intake. However, an alcohol addiction treatment program can help you manage these symptoms and get on the road to recovery. At Woodland Recovery Center, we understand alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the best ways to manage them. Call us today at 662.222.2989 to get help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the set of symptoms that occur when someone who drinks alcohol heavily suddenly stops or drastically reduces their alcohol intake. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, lasting a few days to several weeks. Withdrawal symptoms occur because your body has become dependent on alcohol. When you suddenly stop drinking or reduce your alcohol intake, your body cannot function properly.
What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
The greater the quantity and frequency of your alcohol use, the greater the chance you will suffer from alcohol withdrawal when you quit drinking. Withdrawal may be minor or significant and depends on the abovementioned factors. The rate of onset of alcohol withdrawal is also dependent on these things and can occur as early as six to eight hours after a person consumes their last drink. Here are the most prevalent symptoms of withdrawal:
- Headaches
- Mild confusion, inability to think clearly
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Nightmares
- Being jumpy
- Dilated (enlarged) pupils
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Nausea, vomiting, or a reduced appetite
- Pale, clammy, or sweaty skin
- Tremor or shakiness in the hands
This is not an exhaustive list of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you are experiencing any alcohol withdrawal and need professional help, contact our treatment team at Woodland Recovery Center. We have experience in helping individuals manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and get on the road to recovery.
Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal
When a person stops drinking after drinking heavily for a prolonged period, withdrawal can cause seizures and, in the most severe of instances, delirium tremens (also called DTs). This is a form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening. DTs typically occur two to four days after a person’s last drink but can occur up to seven days later.
The good news is that quick and proficient medical support aided by the administration of medications and advances in treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications. During withdrawal, fatalities can result in other ways too. During a seizure, someone may aspirate their vomit or hit their head while convulsing. The following symptoms are the most severe and may indicate delirium tremens.
- Heightened anxiety and depression
- Low-grade fever
- Increased rate of breathing
- An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Hypertension
- Hallucinations
- Confused mental state
- Psychosis
- Disorientation
If you even suspect that you or someone you love is encountering withdrawal, seek medical help immediately.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The length of alcohol withdrawal can vary from person to person due to various factors. Those factors can include:
- The alcohol consumption rate of the individual
- How long they have been drinking alcohol
- The amount of alcohol consumed at one time
- Their overall health status and physical condition
- Whether or not they have had prior experiences with alcohol withdrawal
- If alcohol was combined with other drugs or medications
In general, mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms may last a few days, while the more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last up to several weeks. Again, alcohol withdrawal is different for everyone, and it’s important to discuss this with your treatment team at Woodland Recovery Center.
Detoxing Safely is Essential to Recovery
Withdrawal from alcohol can be very dangerous and life-threatening. It is something that you should never attempt on your own. At Woodland Recovery Center, we offer expert and compassionate care that can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms that may arise and protect you from the dangers that could occur if you do this unaided.
Our medical staff will observe and support you around the clock to ensure that your symptoms are managed safely with our program’s unparalleled medical care and treatment. Withdrawal can be an emotionally draining process. Our staff is trained to help aid and comfort you in dealing with this, in addition to alleviating and treating the physical rigors of withdrawal.
Learn More About the Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal at Woodland Recovery Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help. We are here to support you through every step of the process, from detox to withdrawal and beyond. A better understanding of detoxing and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can help a person prepare for a successful alcohol addiction treatment.
Call us at 662.222.2989 today to learn more about alcohol withdrawal symptoms and how our program can help.
