Alcohol withdrawal is a clinical syndrome which affects people who are only accustomed to regular alcohol intake; it occurs when either alcohol consumption is decreased, or they quit drinking completely. In these cases, the central nervous system adjusts to the constant presence of alcohol in the body and compensates for the alcohol’s depressive effects on communication among nerve cells and brain function. Unfortunately, when the alcohol level is suddenly lowered, the brain still remains stuck in a hyperactive (or overly excited) state, which causes withdrawal syndrome.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 8 hours after your most recent drink, but can sometimes last for many days at a time. Symptoms normally reach their peak by 24 to 48 hours post drink and then diminish, but some symptoms continue for weeks. The most dangerous symptoms, such as seizures or delirium can occur about a day or two after the initial detox, therefore each and every case of alcohol withdrawal should be medically supervised and tended to. Symptoms that linger past the period of acute withdrawal (the first week of detox) are called post-acute, or protracted withdrawal symptoms, and are usually related to mood swings or sleeping disorders.
Those who go through the process of withdrawal from alcohol always display a set of minor, predictable symptoms. Signs of alcohol withdrawal may include any combination of general hyperactivity, tremors, nausea, anxiety, sweating, retching, tachycardia, mild pyrexia, and hypertension. The most common effects of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disorientation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Irritability
- Jumpiness or shakiness
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Unclear thinking
- Vomiting
Despite being treatable, serious and severe withdrawal episodes may potentially contribute to the development of negative health consequences. This is precisely why alcohol withdrawal needs to be medically and professionally managed! If you or someone you know is dependent on alcohol, please seek help immediately. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help; alcohol dependence is a medical issue, and must be managed as such in order to produce lasting results.
We understand here at Asana Recovery how difficult recovering from addiction can be; through our daily work, we aid those struggling most from the disease. Though there are those who believe they can make it alone, rehab programs are essential in coming against dependency. The road ahead is bumpy with many highs and lows, but you can travel it if done with the support of the right team. Aftercare and counseling processes can help you point out each facet that contributed to your addiction, and help you create a structure to better cope with life without falling prey to addiction.
Each supervised detoxification and residential treatment program at Asana Recovery is offered in a relaxing and calming environment. We hold a deep commitment to ensuring a long term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a happier and healthier future! There is no time better than the present, and we’re always ready to speak with you. Call us today at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today!
