What Does Alcohol Withdrawal Feel Like?

Alcohol withdrawal is whereby you choose to stop drinking alcohol because of the effects that it causes to your body. However, it might not be easy because your body might develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They might include physical and mental problems. When you take alcohol for a long time, your body becomes dependent on it. Your brain will start producing more stimulating chemicals to cover up for the depressant effects of alcohol. With time, your body gets used to overproducing vital chemicals because its functioning is now entirely dependent on alcohol. When you stop drinking alcohol, your body will still produce different stimulating substances, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. It will take time for your body to adjust and get back to normal after you quit drinking alcohol.

At times, most people are afraid of quitting alcohol because of the withdrawal symptoms. However, this should not be the case. If you stop drinking alcohol under the care of professionals in our rehab, your alcohol detox process will be easy and well managed. We flush alcohol from your body during alcohol detox. The withdrawal symptoms will start reducing, and with time, they will subside completely.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Not everyone who stops drinking alcohol experiences withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have been drinking for a while and frequently, you are at high risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit drinking. The alcohol withdrawal symptoms might be mild or severe, depending on the damage alcohol caused to your body. You can start experiencing some mild withdrawal symptoms six hours after you last took alcohol. The mild symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Anxiety

Within 24-48 hours after you stop taking alcohol, more severe symptoms may appear. They include:

• Hallucination
• Seizures
• Lack of sleep
• Irritability and confusion

In a span of 48-72 hours after you stop drinking, the withdrawal symptoms become more serious. You might end up developing severe symptoms like:

• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors
• High fever

Other than the mentioned symptoms, some people may develop delirium tremens (DTs). It is an uncommon and the most severe withdrawal symptom. It is life threatening and can develop five to six days after you quit drinking alcohol. Delirium tremens can be fatal, and once you realize its symptoms, it would be best to call for emergency medical help. The symptoms of delirium tremens include:

• Agitation
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Severe hallucinations

Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the primary cause of relapses in the early stages of recovery from alcoholism. When someone is trying to recover, they might give up when the withdrawal symptoms become severe. Such is because when they take alcohol, it will ease the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms. However, that is not the solution because, with proper medication, you can minimize or eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. If the withdrawal symptoms are mild, they can subside on their own. However, if they are severe, you will need the help of a medical professional to get the proper medication and get through it.

You cannot tell if the withdrawal symptoms will be mild or severe. That is why it is essential to be under the care of a health professional when withdrawing from alcohol drinking. When you are under supervision, you will be safe enough when the symptoms change aggressively and become life-threatening. Some medical professionals prescribe medication at the rehab center to ease the symptoms and monitor your condition as you go through the withdrawal. At times, it might be necessary to get fluids through your veins to avoid dehydration. The medication will stabilize your condition, and you will focus on recovery, as you get better. As you go through alcohol detox, and the withdrawal symptoms are well managed, we can fasten recovery through:

• Engaging in various activities to keep your mind occupied
• Counseling sessions
• Joining support groups
• Maintaining a healthy diet

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be a significant threat when you want to stop drinking. However, this should not scare you because when you are under the care of health professionals, the recovery will be easy and fast. The health professionals will help you overcome the withdrawal symptoms, and the aim will be to stay alcohol-free. Various ways can help you stop drinking alcohol for good, and our health care providers are always ready to guide you. If you are prepared to start your journey of withdrawing from alcohol, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today at 424-499-2603.