Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few days after you take your last drink. This means withdrawal can occur whether you are trying to quit drinking or have run out of alcohol. These initial withdrawal symptoms can last for approximately a week and will vary in their severity from person to person.

This initial stage of withdrawal is known as the acute stage. People who have consumed a large amount of alcohol, or have been drinking alcohol for a long time, may experience delirium tremens. Delirium tremens is actually an entire set of symptoms. It can include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, nightmares, hallucinations, severe agitation, fever, and heart irregularities.

Acute alcoholism withdrawal symptoms can also include other physical and psychological complications. Aggression, nausea, vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and migraines are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Some symptoms can be more dangerous. Psychosis, stroke, or a heart attack can occur. This is why it is essential to go through withdrawal at a detox center or a treatment facility. You may require prompt treatment by a physician.

While not all withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening, the process can be made easier for you if you are in a safe environment. In addition to emotional support, you can receive medication if it becomes necessary. After the acute stage is over, some symptoms can continue for more than a year. This is often referred to as protracted withdrawal.

Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms

Protracted withdrawal makes it wise to continue treatment after you have completed the acute stage. While protracted symptoms are generally less intense and will gradually subside, they can still interfere with your quality of life and your ability to function normally. Headaches, vomiting, nausea, insomnia, and disorientation are common symptoms in this category. In some instances, medication can be given to relieve these symptoms. They do not need to have a negative effect on your daily life.

An additional symptom of protracted withdrawal is the continuation of alcohol cravings. This symptom alone makes further treatment the best option. You do not want to drink again after you have gone through withdrawal. Treatment can help you manage your cravings without drinking. From everything you learn in treatment to the aftercare services, you do not ever need to drink again.

Another point to keep in mind is while alcohol withdrawal symptoms are difficult, they are generally much easier to deal with when you are having the experience for the first time. Alcoholics who go through withdrawal more than once usually find the symptoms are more severe each time. This is an important reason to try and make your first experience with withdrawal symptoms your only experience.

Recovering After Alcohol Withdrawal

If you relapse, you will have only two options. You can either go through more severe symptoms, or spend the rest of your life drinking. Staying sober means not needing to make that choice. When your goal is to stay sober after withdrawal, treatment can help you accomplish this. You can begin a full treatment program as soon as you complete the detoxification process. If you choose a good program, you can start to restore your health and strength immediately after detox.

Mental health and medical problems will be addressed, and there will be counseling to help you with your problems. All of the amazing benefits of treatment add up to the tools you need to stay sober. If you are tired of all the problems caused by alcohol, all you need to know is there is a better way of life. All you need to do is decide you want it. You may have already experienced the shakiness and nervous feelings from not having a drink in a long time.

This means alcohol is controlling your body, your mind, and your life. If you are like many alcoholics, simply knowing alcohol is controlling you is a good incentive to want to quit. Putting alcohol addiction in the past is something that will take time and effort. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are likely to be part of the process. When you begin the process at a treatment center, you will have nothing to fear.

A caring staff will be there for you throughout the entire process. They will make it as easy for you as possible, and provide all the support you need to get through it. If you think about it, you have a few options, but only one is a good option. You can break the control alcohol has over you and begin to repair the damage it has caused. After you go through withdrawal symptoms, a treatment program can help you come out as a winner. The other options are to try alone and fail, or never stop drinking at all. Your future depends on making the right decision. Today can be the day you enter detox, and prepare for a healthier, happier life.

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