Alcohol use disorder is a common issue across the globe. It can also lead to serious health problems, including pancreatitis, liver damage that causes cirrhosis, and heart failure.
Aside from the health complications brought by alcohol consumption, people may also experience withdrawal symptoms. When someone dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking, they may experience either mild or severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Many individuals will need medication, especially if their symptoms are intense.
If you are looking for additional knowledge and understanding about alcohol addiction treatment or detox, read on as our experts from Liberty Home Clinic discuss some withdrawal symptoms and how to handle them better.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Detoxification, often known as detox, is an essential aspect of the treatment process and frequently poses the greatest challenge for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. Throughout this phase, healthcare professionals offer extensive support to those undergoing detox, as they may experience intense withdrawal symptoms in the early days of abstaining from alcohol.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The onset and intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can differ significantly based on various factors, including the individual’s degree of alcohol dependence, any existing medical conditions, and their past experiences with withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), often referred to as alcohol withdrawal, encompasses a range of signs and symptoms that typically appear in individuals with alcohol dependence within 6 to 24 hours after their last alcohol intake. This syndrome can occur unintentionally due to enforced abstinence caused by illness or injury, or it may arise intentionally when a person decides to stop drinking alcohol or as part of detoxification.
Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms may manifest physically and psychologically, varying in intensity from mild symptoms to severe discomfort. Common indicators of alcohol withdrawal may consist of:
Anxiety
Anxiety is a frequent sign of alcohol withdrawal. It happens as the body and mind adapt to the absence of alcohol in the brain and body. When someone drinks regularly, their brain gets used to the calming effects of alcohol, which can mask the underlying feelings of anxiety. This anxiety may show up as restlessness, nervousness, or a feeling that something bad is about to happen. It can also come with physical signs like a fast heartbeat, sweating, or shaking.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common issue during alcohol withdrawal and can make the experience even more difficult. Alcohol usually acts as a sedative, making it easier for people to sleep when they drink regularly. However, when they stop drinking suddenly, their brain struggles to manage sleep, causing trouble in both falling asleep and staying asleep. This can lead to restless nights, waking up often, and feeling tired throughout the day.
Headache
When you stop drinking during detox, your brain goes through a shock as it adjusts to life without alcohol. This can cause headaches, which are a typical sign of withdrawal. These headaches may be mild initially, but they can intensify around three days after your last drink. In some cases, withdrawal headaches can persist for weeks, months, or even years, particularly because of PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). Alcohol detox can also trigger other types of headaches, such as tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Alcohol Hallucinosis
Individuals who have engaged in prolonged heavy drinking are susceptible to alcoholic hallucinosis. This condition is characterized by a spectrum of symptoms, including hallucinations, paranoia, and a complete disconnection from reality. The psychotic manifestations may persist for several hours or even days, resembling the symptoms of schizophrenia, which can endure for an extended period. In certain instances, persistent alcoholic hallucinosis may lead to neurological impairment, increasing the likelihood of enduring mental health complications.
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure
Withdrawal seizures may manifest within a few hours or may take as long as three days to develop. Although alcohol consumption itself is not typically a direct cause of seizures, the absence of its inhibitory effects during withdrawal can render the brain more susceptible to seizure activity.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens (DT) is a serious symptom of alcohol withdrawal that involves confusion and disorientation, along with intense hallucinations, risk of seizures, and signs of heightened nervous system activity. DT can be life-threatening, with a mortality rate that may reach 10%.
Withdrawal symptoms usually start within two to four days after the last drink, but they can sometimes take up to 10 days to show up. These symptoms can quickly become worse, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications.
Causes Of Alcohol Withdrawal?
With consistent heavy drinking, the central nervous system adapts to the calming effects of alcohol. Consequently, when alcohol levels decrease abruptly, the brain can trigger a ‘fight or flight’ response, even in the absence of actual danger.
All withdrawal symptoms, including psychological effects like anxiety and physical manifestations such as tremors, stem from the body entering this ‘fight or flight’ state.
How Long Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
People with alcohol abuse and alcoholism may experience cravings intermittently. Although this occurrence is prevalent, there is no universal description of how long a craving lasts. Some people may start to experience withdrawal symptoms 6 to 12 hours after the last alcohol consumption and may peak around 72 hours.
Is It Safe To Detox From Alcohol At Home?
An individual trying to detox at home faces several risks related to alcohol withdrawal. Each person’s experience is unique, making it hard to predict how withdrawal will affect them. Alcohol detox programs often use prescription medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and minimize harm. Without medical help, severe withdrawal can lead to serious issues like seizures, hallucinations, and heart failure.
Detoxing at home limits access to necessary medications and healthcare professionals, increasing the chances of complications. If someone has a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, they might experience intense symptoms once they stop drinking.
Detoxing from alcohol at home is risky and not advisable. The process can be unpredictable and potentially life-threatening. It is highly recommended to seek medically supervised detox when trying to stop drinking alcohol.
Who Are At Risk For Alcohol Withdrawal
Individuals develop a tolerance to alcohol when they consume greater quantities and do so more frequently. As this tolerance grows, the effects of the same amount of alcohol diminish, prompting some individuals to increase their intake. This behaviour can result in a reliance on alcohol, making it essential for them to drink to feel normal. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, stopping consumption may trigger withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment For Alcohol Detox Symptoms
The current approach to treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms involves using a long-acting benzodiazepine. This method has been effective in lowering the risk of complications like seizures and delirium during withdrawal. In addition, finding a calm and supportive environment with access to healthy food and plenty of fluids can be helpful for milder withdrawal symptoms.
In cases of more severe withdrawal, staying in a supervised setting with trained professionals may be necessary to undergo detox. It involves using various medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, seizures, and insomnia. During detox, healthcare providers regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
When To Seek Help For Alcohol Withdrawal?
It is crucial to consult with professionals if you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, as they can advise you on the necessity of medications or inpatient care. They can also provide guidance on how to manage your withdrawal process to enhance your comfort and increase your likelihood of success.
In addition, seeking professional assistance is vital because you may experience anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges during withdrawal. Having a supportive professional to talk to, along with appropriate medication if required, can significantly aid you during your treatment journey.
Take The First Step Toward Recovery
Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and hard to handle, and in some cases, they can lead to death. Trying to detox from certain substances without medical help can lead to relapse and serious overdose.
With the right professional support in a safe place, recovery is achievable. Medical experts can assist you during the detox process and help manage withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to start your recovery and move towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with substance or alcohol use issues or is beginning detox, reach out to us to find out how Liberty Home Clinic can assist.
