People who want to quit drinking may think the simple solution is just to “plug the jug.” This solution may seem simple on the surface, but for people who are chronic drinkers, that could be problematic and even dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are painful, uncomfortable, and unnerving to experience. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal can be a matter of life and death. To minimize the risk of relapse and health complications, problem drinkers must enter a professional alcohol detox program.
This article will discuss in greater detail the potential danger of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the importance of alcohol detox for long-term recovery. If you need quality alcohol rehab in Spokane, call Sequoia Recovery Centers toll-free today. Our detox programs are evidence-based and personalized to meet your specific needs.
Contact our drug and alcohol detox in Spokane to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one overcome addiction.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when the body and brain experience tremendous changes as you quit drinking altogether. When you consume alcohol, it interacts with specific receptors called GABA receptors, which bring you calm and a sense of euphoria. Alcohol also decreases the production of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which helps create feelings of excitability. When your intake increases, it becomes harder for your brain to increase GABA and decrease glutamate. As a result, you need to drink more alcohol.
When you decrease your intake or quit drinking altogether, your brain will continue to increase glutamate production while decreasing GABA production. As a result, you will feel more excitable, anxious, and shaky as your body tries to adjust without alcohol in your system. These withdrawal symptoms will vary in severity depending on the length of time you drank, the quantity consumed, and if you are taking other substances in addition to alcohol.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
The signs of alcohol withdrawal usually appear within a few hours after your last drink. Usually, the withdrawals experienced reach their peak within 1-3 days after your last drink and will subside within 10-14 days. The common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include the following:
- Frustration or irritability
- Depression
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Nightmares
- Jumpiness
- Shakiness
- Rapid and extreme shifts in mood
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Hand tremors or other body tremors
Alcohol withdrawal can become life-threatening if you experience a condition known as delirium tremens (commonly known as DTs). This potentially life-threatening condition includes the following symptoms:
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Irregular breathing
You may be more vulnerable to this serious condition if you have a prior history of seizures, prior history of medical detoxification, and a prolonged period before your last drink.
The Important of Alcohol Detox
If you are ready to quit alcohol for good, you may be tempted to try and go “cold turkey” or try self-detox methods. While these methods may produce short-term success, you will return to drinking if you do not address the underlying issues of your problem drinking. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and life-threatening—especially if you are using other drugs and have an underlying medical issue. That is why it is important to seek a treatment program that features alcohol detox.
Alcohol detoxification programs must be run by experienced and trained professionals in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Detox programs feature a wide range of interventions, including medication management, nutrition therapy, exercise therapy, and even talk therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Staff will also conduct comprehensive mental and medical evaluations to pinpoint any underlying issues that may impact your recovery.
You will enter formal drug treatment when you have regained physically and psychologically stable. Treatment staff will formulate a customized treatment plan, including individual and group therapy, 12-step support, life and coping skills training, and other traditional and holistic therapies. These components will give you the tools and confidence you need to address the root causes of your addiction and get you on the path to sobriety.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery With Help From Sequoia Recovery Centers
Quitting alcohol is difficult and can be life-threatening without professional help. Sequoia Recovery Centers is the premier alcohol detox in Spokane which features detox and other evidence-based treatment programs proven to help you beat alcohol addiction. Our dedicated staff of experienced professionals will provide the support you need to find meaningful sobriety. Call Sequoia Recovery Centers today and leave your alcohol addiction behind.
