Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox and withdrawal refers to a group of symptoms which are likely to occur from suddenly stopping the use of alcohol after chronic or prolonged periods of ingestion.
Not everyone who stops drinking will experience withdrawal symptoms. However, most people who have been drinking for a long period of time will experience some form of withdrawal symptoms once they do try to stop drinking.
There is no way to predict how any individual will respond to quitting. If you plan to stop drinking and you have been consistently drinking for prolonged periods of time, or if you drink heavily when you do drink, or even if you drink moderately but frequently, it is highly suggested that you consult a medical professional before going undergoing any sort of rapid withdrawal.
The severity of these symptoms is usually dependent upon just how dependent the person has become. Those who drink heavily on a daily basis will have developed a high level of dependency, but even those who drink daily but not heavily, and those who drink heavily but not daily, could also have become dependent enough upon alcohol to merit medical supervision or management during their detox.
When someone who has become "alcohol dependent" decides to stop drinking, they will experience some level of physical discomfort. For this reason, it is extremely difficult for them to merely stop drinking "on their own" without assistance and support.
The reality of the alcoholic problem is that with the onset of withdrawal symptoms, also comes the physical "craving" for more alcohol. The body is telling the drinker that it "needs" alcohol. As the physical symptoms of withdrawal begin to increase, taking another drink simply becomes less painful than not taking one. And so the cycle continues.
For those who have committed themselves to not drinking again, or been forced by circumstances to have no access to alcohol, the struggle to fight the withdrawal symptoms can become a dangerous battle, one that can actually become life threatening.
The Shakes
For some, withdrawal symptoms might be as "mild" as merely getting the shakes, or the sweats -- or perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heart beat, and increased blood pressure.
Although these symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, they are not necessarily dangerous. But they are often accompanied by the "craving" for more alcohol, making the decision to continue abstinence even more difficult to maintain.
The DT's / Delirium Tremors
However, within six to 48 hours after not drinking, hallucinations may develop. These usually are visual hallucinations but they can also involve sounds and smells. They can last for a few hours, or in severe cases up to a few weeks.
Also, convulsions or seizures may occur, which is the point at which alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous, if it isn't medically treated. The symptoms may progress to DTs (delirium tremors) after three to five days without alcohol. The symptoms of DT's include profound confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and extreme cardiovascular disturbances.
Once the DT's begin, there is no known medical treatment to stop them. Grand mal seizures, heart attacks and stroke can occur during the DT's, all of which can be fatal.
Getting Treatment
The good news for those who are alcohol dependent and looking to detoxify is that all of these symptoms can be alleviated and even eliminated with proper medical treatment.
Typically, for those who are mildly dependent doses of vitamins (Thiamine) and a proper diet will prevent most of the mild withdrawal symptoms from occurring. For the severely dependent, medication can be administered, but only by a Doctor. The most common method is to substitute benzodiazepines (Librium) for the alcohol and gradually reduce the dose over a period of days until the patient is fully detoxified.
If you are a heavy drinker and want to quit, please do give us a ring on 0845 686 0337.
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