When trying to stop drinking, some people try to give it all up at once. This strategy works for a few but not for many. A gradual decrease in consumption can be more effective and less dangerous as the alcohol slowly leaves your system rather than abruptly. This way feels safer for many because there is not a sudden shift in their physiology, and they see day to day how their health is improving. Quitting cold turkey may cause health complications as their body is not prepared to all of a sudden reintegrate itself to its original state. The withdrawal symptoms for alcohol can be painful and dangerous. In cases of a severe alcohol use disorder, it is best to find professional treatment. An alcohol detox center can help you get your life back on track.
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The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol slows down and lowers the function of a person’s central nervous system, which makes it a depressant. When someone uses and abuses alcohol on a regular basis, their body quickly becomes used to the presence of alcohol and adapts to it. Therefore, during withdrawal, the person’s body must readjust to the lack of alcohol. The systems within the body are now out of balance and become hyperactive as it tries to learn how to manage life without alcohol again. This period of relearning is called withdrawal. The severity of withdrawal can vary, depending on a range of factors. However, most of the time, there is a basic timeline that alcohol withdrawal follows.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Six hours after the last drink, withdrawal symptoms may arise. A person may experience anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. About 12-24 hours after the last drink, they experience seizures and visual and auditory hallucinations.
48-72 hours after the last drink:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Fever
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Excessive sweating
- Delirium tremens (only occurring in 5% of alcohol withdrawals)
After about three days, the symptoms begin to taper off, and the individuals can start the recovery process.
Treatments for Alcohol Withdrawal
One of the essential parts of the process is having the support to get you through it. That means finding a quiet place with soft lighting and limiting your contact with other people. Drinking lots of water with the addition of electrolytes and eating healthy food will help you make it through the withdrawal stages. It may sound simple, but only if you follow the routine and abstain from drinking. Just one drink can damage the whole process and seriously affect your health. The alcohol is poisoning your body, and it takes time to recover. The only real cure for AUD is a healthy lifestyle and staying on top of your mental health.
However, alcohol addiction treatment programs can support recovery. For instance, at Ethan Crossing Recovery, we offer treatment options such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
To learn which treatment options can support your recovery, contact Ethan Crossing Recovery today.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Recovery Today
It seems like everybody drinks alcohol. Most celebrations include alcohol. How many times have you seen professional athletes after winning a championship say the first thing they are going to do is get drunk? Teams have cases of champagne at the ready to spray each other in the locker room after the final whistle. However, some people have a drinking problem, and it is nothing worth celebrating.
At Ethan Crossing Recovery near Springfield, Ohio, we have an alcohol detox program as well as residential and outpatient treatment programs. We believe in family engagement throughout the recovery process. You should not try to quit alcohol on your own, and you should not have to go through recovery alone either. To learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program, Anyone can get help at any point. Ethan Crossing Recovery serves the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Ohio area. Contact us today.