Alcohol withdrawal can cause you to experience uncomfortable symptoms like tremors, headaches, and nausea. Even though it is rare to die from alcohol withdrawal, it can still happen if you experience delirium tremens. To safely detox, it is important to detox under medical supervision and to call a doctor immediately as soon as you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal is when you experience painful symptoms as a result of trying to stop excessive alcohol drinking. It is the body’s way of punishing you for stopping a substance that your body has grown accustomed to. Alcohol decreases nerve cell activity which leads to sedation. Heavy drinkers do not become as sedated when they drink because the body compensates for the reduction in nerve cell activity over time. When a heavy drinker stops drinking, there is a rebound increase in nerve cell activity which causes withdrawal symptoms. The most common withdrawal symptoms are rapid heart rate, sweating, increased anxiety, trouble sleeping, headaches, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.
The Possibility of Death in Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
For most people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening and may include symptoms like headaches, rapid heartbeat, and increased anxiety. Symptoms tend to ease within two to seven days. However, 5% of people experience delirium tremens which is a side effect that results in seizures, hallucinations, and confusion. Seizures experienced in delirium tremens can result in death in 5% to 25% of cases. Alcohol withdrawal normally happens one to three days after someone’s last drink. The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial for being the highest risk for seizures and delirium tremens.
Safe Ways to Detox From Alcohol
To decrease the risk of complications, it is important to be under medical supervision when you detox. Some medications can reduce the risks of withdrawal symptoms and death such as benzodiazepines and anti-seizure medications. In the three to seven days of medically supervised detox, a doctor can monitor your vital signs and intervene if you experience a fever or high blood pressure. Even if you initially feel okay, it is still best to seek medical attention right away to prevent its progression. To even prevent having to go through withdrawal, seek treatment help right away to avoid dealing with the negative effects of addiction. Identifying alcohol abuse early will improve your quality of life and prevent discomforting withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, headaches, and increased anxiety. There is also a chance that alcohol withdrawal can kill you if you experience seizures from delirium tremens. At Alta Loma, we understand the struggles of trying to stop alcohol abuse. Our facility in Georgetown, Texas can give you the help you need to ensure a successful recovery and to prevent addiction from escalating furth. We can provide you with residency up to 24 months, 12-step programs, life coping skills education, individualized therapy, and more. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
