Alcohol withdrawal causes different symptoms when someone with an addiction stops or cuts down on drinking. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with the worst cases being fatal if not treated in a supervised clinical setting.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
The type and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms depend on how long and how much you have been drinking. If someone has been drinking heavily for many years, they are more likely to have serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
Mild symptoms of alcohol detox can include:
- Sweating
- Feeling anxious
- Trouble sleeping
- Sickness
- Headaches
More serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Shaking
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Delirium tremens is a rare but severe form of withdrawal that starts 2 to 5 days after a person stops drinking and can be dangerous. Less than 5% of people who stop drinking will experience this.
It’s best to go through alcohol detox with medical supervision because of these risks. This is especially important if you have heart or lung problems since withdrawal symptoms can worsen quickly. Medical professionals can keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate. They can also provide medications to ease your discomfort.
Avoid these problems by calling Gratitude Lodge at 844-576-0144 for effective medical detox.
How to Withdraw from Alcohol Safely
Now you know what to expect from alcohol withdrawal. To withdraw from alcohol safely, get professional medical help – here’s what to do:
- Consult a doctor: Talk to your doctor about your drinking and plan to quit. They can guide you to a detox program or provide medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Detox in a safe setting: A medical detox at inpatient rehab is the safest place for alcohol withdrawal. Doctors and nurses monitor your health and offer 24/7 support.
- Don’t suddenly stop drinking: Suddenly stopping alcohol can be dangerous. Slowly reducing intake under medical supervision is safer and stops severe symptoms.
- Follow the treatment plan: Stick to the plan given by your healthcare provider, including taking medications and attending ongoing therapy sessions.
- Support system: Surround yourself with friends and family. Join a support group like NA or AA if you need extra help.
What Is a Medical Alcohol Detox Like?
Medical alcohol detox is a carefully monitored process where medical experts help you stop drinking safely.
Initial assessment
Medical staff will ask about your drinking habits and health history to understand your needs.
Monitoring and support
During detox, staff monitor your vital signs and your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This makes sure you are as safe and comfy as possible.
Medications
You might get medications to help with withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sickness, or seizures.
Therapy and counseling
Many medical detox programs offer counseling to start exploring why you drink. Therapy also delivers emotional support.
Preparing for more treatment
After detox, you’ll get help planning the next steps of your recovery. This usually involves ongoing inpatient or outpatient treatment.
What to Expect With Alcohol Withdrawals FAQs
What can I expect in alcohol withdrawal from a long-term hardcore alcoholic?
Withdrawal from long-term alcohol use can be severe, with symptoms like nausea, anxiety, tremors, and even seizures. Severe cases may also include delirium tremens, which involve confusion, high blood pressure, and hallucinations.
Is it dangerous to detox from alcohol at home?
Yes, detoxing from alcohol at home can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and unpredictable, sometimes even deadly.
How do I find a good medical alcohol detox?
Look for a medical detox center with licensed healthcare professionals, positive reviews, and experience treating alcohol withdrawal. Recommendations from a trusted doctor or support groups can also help.
Is alcohol detox covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover alcohol detox, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific policy. Contact your insurance company or the detox center to understand your coverage.
Get an Insurance-Covered Alcohol Detox at Gratitude Lodge
We can help people struggling with alcohol addiction and mental health issues at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Our welcoming rehab centers in Long Beach and Newport Beach focus on complete recovery.
Our medical detox program provides a safe and smooth way to manage alcohol withdrawal. once your body is free from alcohol, you can move into inpatient treatment. We offer the following therapies:
- Medications
- Talk therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- One-to-one therapy
- Holistic methods
- Aftercare
Call our recovery experts today at 844-576-0144 for help with alcohol detox.
