Alcoholism is an isolating condition where alcohol is often abused in private. According to WebMD, nearly 33 percent of people with depression also have struggled with alcohol.1 During the process of seeking help, it is common to have concerns about the detox process and to wonder how you will feel like after you stop drinking. In some cases, the physical effects of withdrawal can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, alcoholism withdrawal symptoms do not last long when you have access to the right alcohol addiction treatment program.
Symptoms and Effects
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome during an alcohol detox may consist of an acute period and in some cases, a prolonged phase, both with their own set of characteristic symptoms.
Acute alcohol withdrawal occurs after heavy drinkers abruptly stop or attempt to decrease their alcohol use. Acute alcohol withdrawal period may arise within hours after the last drink and may persist for days to a week.
Signs of Acute Alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Poor appetite
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Shaking
- Seizures
- High fever and excessive sweating
- High blood pressure
- Delirium tremens
Depending on the amount of time and severity of the addiction, some alcohol withdrawal symptoms could be life-threatening such as, as listed above, seizures and delirium tremens, better known as the DTs. Other symptoms that can affect getting rid of alcohol dependency habits related to a prolonged phase of alcohol use, can include varying degrees of danger and discomfort include:
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
Conclusion
Thinking about quitting alcohol use is a big first step towards alcohol detox, however doing it alone can be difficult, and in many cases even dangerous. In order to safely detox, medical supervision and professional help is crucial to not only ensure you get off an alcohol dependency, but also to effectively manage staying off the habit for the rest of your life.
Stephouse Recovery offers a wide set of treatment options and plans to help those battling alcohol addiction where we provide for those who have been affected by this illness. For more information regarding seeking help for yourself or for someone you know, contact (888) 923-7623 to speak with a professional who will assist you with the next crucial steps of a successful alcohol detox recovery.
References:
1* “Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Depression: Is There a Connection?” WebMD, WebMD, 12 Nov. 2018, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/alcohol-and-depresssion.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). 14 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/alcoholusedisorderaud.html.