Detox and Withdrawal from Alcohol Varies for Each Person: What to Expect in Rehab
Drinking heavily is not good for people’s health, especially long term. Withdrawal from alcohol after drinking for a long period of time can be uncomfortable and even unsafe. People often drink more alcohol to avoid feelings of withdrawal. Someone with alcohol dependence and tolerance can develop a physical and mental dependency on it. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may be intense or even deadly. Medically-supervised detox is always recommended for withdrawal. Multiple treatments for alcohol addiction can be offered to help them quit safely but it means being in a treatment program and being willing to quit.
Withdrawal
When a person withdraws from alcohol, they experience mental and physical symptoms. People who drink often may experience the most extreme withdrawal symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Changes in body temperature
- Restlessness
- Fever
- Nightmares
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
One severe form of withdrawal from alcohol is called delirium tremens. This is most common in people who drink as much as one pint of liquor every day for several months. Seizures may happen 12 to 48 hours after the person quits drinking.
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The severity of the symptoms a person may experience is determined by many things. Included are how long they have been drinking, genetics, environment, the severity of abuse, age, weight, and many other factors. The length of time a person experiences withdrawal occurs within the first 5 to 10 hours after the last drink. Tremors or shakes are the most common sign, with seizures being the most extensive. Physically a person can experience tapering of symptoms but long-term effects may last for months or years post last drink. More than six days after the last drink, following detox, some people who used to drink heavily experience longer-lasting effects but may see some tapering off. Symptoms come and go and may last for months, including lower energy, irritability, and trouble sleeping. The key is to figure out how to navigate recovery with help and support in an environment that oversees detox for the safety of the individual. The best bet for people with severe addiction is to offer a safe space to detox, then heal mentally and physically from addiction.
Palmetto Center provides space to be vulnerable and work on healing from addiction. Whether it is alcohol or drugs, we are here to help you feel better. Our program provides a special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.