Alcohol is part of the fabric of American society, but unfortunately, overdoing it can cause the body to become dependent on this substance. When this happens, the brain makes it hard for a person to stop using alcohol on their own. When they try, they may experience withdrawal symptoms and feel hopeless about their chance of getting better.
But there is hope and there are resources out there for people in this position. An alcohol detox may be recommended as one of the first steps in the recovery process. The symptoms of alcohol detox are often similar to those of withdrawal. This process can be grueling and hard to manage without the proper support and professional guidance.
Still, an alcohol detox program may help reduce the risks and help you get to the other side faster and safely. We can offer the type of treatment you need to reach these goals. Please get in touch with our team today at (888) 593-5669for more information about our treatment programs.
Withdrawal: What you need to know
What do you feel when you stop using for some time? Everyone responds differently, though you may feel pain and other notable changes in your body. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
- Hallucinations and seizures
- Tremors and shaking
- Gastrointestinal changes
- Heart palpitations
The good news? It’s possible to mitigate the symptoms of alcohol detox and get through the process safely and without much discomfort. Still, there are some unknowns. For example, it can be challenging to define how long it takes for a person’s body to go from withdrawal to recovery.
Several factors can determine the length and severity of withdrawal. Many people go through several stages. The first is a mild set of symptoms that can occur when a person stops putting alcohol in their body. This can happen in as little as eight hours from the last drink and the person might contend with headaches, anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress. People move through the next stage as symptoms increase in severity. During this stage, many report low-grade fevers, rapid heart rate, and confusion. This can last between one and three days. The symptoms can worsen over the next week before tapering off.
It’s important to know that withdrawal symptoms can last for months and healing is not linear. People might notice that their symptoms ease up and seem to get worse again. Their intensity can vary and so can the way they’re experienced over time. Clients might experience many changes through the detox process — and that’s perfectly normal.
Getting help
When you recognize these symptoms, think about what they mean. The substance has changed the way your body and brain work. Addiction is a complicated and dangerous disease that’s best addressed by a team approach.
If you’re suffering from the impacts and challenges of trauma, please call us at (888) 5WE-KNOW. We care deeply, and we can help you through. You don’t need to carry this alone. We can help you reclaim your life.