The intensely uncomfortable physical effects are unpleasant to say the least, and few relish the idea of voluntarily taking on this discomfort. The good news is that alcohol withdrawal symptoms are relatively short-lived. In just a few days or as long as a couple of weeks, one begins to feel better than they did during active addiction. With the right addiction treatment program, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be minimal with the right medication and support.
The basics of withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are to be expected when you stop drinking if you are an alcoholic. The constant influx of alcohol in your system forces your body into physical dependence and without the substance, you are not able to avoid negative physical effects. The best way to handle alcohol withdrawal symptoms is to prepare for it and expect it. At an alcohol detox, medical professionals will be standing by to help you. Through constant medical and psychological support, you can make sure to get through alcohol detox with a minimum of issues.
Early treatment is key for facing withdrawal.
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a chronic progressive disease. Every day that you continue to live in active addiction, you increase the severity and length of detox and your experience of alcohol withdrawal symptoms as well. Every time you try to stop drinking, you’ll note that the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are worse than they were previously. Two things are key: Early treatment and effective treatment. The sooner you stop drinking, the easier your alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be to deal with and the more effective the treatment, the less likely you will be to relapse and end up needing to go through yet another alcohol detox.
Dangerous alcoholism withdrawal symptoms.
It is not recommended that you attempt to stop drinking without the medical supervision and assistance provided by an inpatient alcohol detox program. If you stop drinking and experience any of the following symptoms, get medical treatment immediately:
- Lose consciousness
- Seizures
- Vomiting (in relation to seizures and not in response to overindulging in alcohol)
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Hallucinations
- Chills and/ or profuse sweating
About 25 percent of alcoholics will experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that include seizures, DTs and more. At an alcohol detox center, your vital signs are monitored constantly and you will be given medications that will control these symptoms and keep you comfortable. Fear of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is a common reason that many alcoholics avoid getting the alcohol rehab help that they need.