The choice to stop alcohol abuse is an important step toward a better life, but it can also come with dangerous symptoms. If you or a loved one is considering becomnig sober from alcohol, we applaud you on your journey! However, keep in mind these symptoms that could impact your healing process.
What is Alcohol Abuse?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines heavy drinking as more than eight drinks per week for women and more than 15 drinks per week for men.
Binge drinking is the most common form of heavy drinking that can lead to alcohol addiction. Women experience this through four or more drinks in one sitting, while men experience it at five or more drinks.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, less than ten percent of the 14.5 million Americans struggling with alcohol abuse will receive addiction treatment. Children as young as 12 struggle with chronic alcohol consumption and could experience severe symptoms through alcohol detox if they choose to do it alone.
This is why alcohol addiction is considered a serious mental health disorder that requires specific care from medical professionals.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)?
Excessive alcohol use is fueled by both physical and emotional dependence. This is why, when a person struggling with alcohol use disorder will suddenly stop drinking or greatly reduce their alcohol intake, they experience acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting your alcohol consumption without professional medical care can affect both your physical and mental health. In extreme cases, people who suddenly stop drinking can experience withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
The alcohol withdrawal timeline can vary among those who drink heavily. Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as six hours after a person’s last drink, or they may take a few days to appear. A person will begin to experience mild withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, nausea, headaches, tremors, and high blood pressure. Full alcohol detox can take up to 10 days.
Over the next two to three days, a person can fall into severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms known as delirium tremens (DT). These can include alcohol withdrawal seizures, high fever, and hallucinations. This happens when a person’s central nervous system is negatively impacted by decreased alcohol in the blood.
More severe withdrawal symptoms are considered a medical emergency. If you or a loved one begins to experience extreme alcohol withdrawal, you should contact a medical professional immediately.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at Gloria Rehab
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome is first diagnosed by a doctor. This can be done through the combination of a physical assessment, a basic questionnaire, and potentially a toxicology screening, which measures how much alcohol is in your bloodstream.
After this initial evaluation, you will be encouraged to go through alcohol detox before seeking further substance abuse treatment. Due to the prolonged symptoms that can come with alcohol withdrawal, you should consider inpatient treatment at a substance abuse treatment center like Gloria Rehab.
At Gloria Rehab, we can help you treat alcohol withdrawal through prescribed medications. We will also offer a supportive environment 24/7 as you go through the more serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
After your alcohol detox, we offer a variety of individualized treatment plans, from mental health counseling to a more balanced diet that can help address your nutritional deficiencies after withdrawal.
You never have to feel alone when addressing your alcohol dependency! Contact us today to begin your journey toward recovery.
