As addicts excessively consume alcohol, over time, their bodies will ultimately form an “attachment” (so to speak) to that substance. Ultimately, once the rehabilitation and detox process begins, alcoholics will undergo a painful and oftentimes traumatic experience called withdrawal, where their bodies purge the chemicals from their system and begin to heal. So, you can imagine that this process can potentially be dangerous for people who have virtually made alcohol their alternative to tap water. Sometimes, however, the withdrawal process is so severe and so excruciating that alcoholics can experience frightening hallucinations, go into shock, and (in the worst case scenario) die. Let’s take a closer look at the terrifying reality of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and see why it is so dangerous.
White Rabbit Object
At some point during his career, Lowell Cauffiel (an accomplished Hollywood screenwriter, crime author, and producer) stopped drinking two-fifths of a bourbon bottle each day and purposefully did not go to a rehabilitation clinic. Why is this the case? According to Cauffiel, he wanted to experience the full-scale symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and use this pain as a motivation to stay clean. What happened next for the producer was one of the most terrifying experiences you can imagine.
During the withdrawal process, Lowell described the pain as intolerable, as if his insides were being pulled out of his body. Between violent shaking and sweating, he also experienced nightmarish hallucinations, including a giant rabbit wearing a tuxedo and a top hat. How he managed to survive the process is unknown, as it could have killed him.
How Healing Leads to Death
Overall, doctors agree that alcohol is the deadliest substance to withdraw from the body, and the situation can become even riskier when the alcoholic does not enter a medical facility. Based on recent statistics, an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder, which can range from habitual drinking to full-blown alcoholism. Often, for individuals who suffer from the most dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremors, sweating, DTs, and shivering), physicians have calculated a 4% death rate (meaning 1 in 25 people will die from alcohol withdrawal).
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.