One out of eight adults in America struggles with alcohol addiction. What’s worse, a significant number of dependents have it tough because of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you’re battling alcohol addiction and are seeking treatment, this article will cover the signs of alcohol withdrawal.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
The national dietary recommends women have one drink per day for seven days while men can take two during the same period. When you consume alcohol beyond this level, you risk having psychological dependence, which is harder to recover from.
Alcohol withdrawals are the symptoms dependent on users’ experience, as they look to stop the drinking habit. These symptoms vary from person to person, and they can occur almost immediately after quitting the bottle or hours later.
Common Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol primarily affects the central nervous system and brain function. When consumed in large quantities, alcohol has a sedative effect on the brain, which slows down normal brain functioning. In turn, the body develops a state of ease, as the “feel-good effect” of alcohol kicks in.
If repeated many times, the body becomes accustomed to being in this state so once you stop, it causes a chemical imbalance. This causes a chain of reactions that present as alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They usually vary, depending on how long you’ve been drinking.
What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur at different levels and timelines. The most severe withdrawal cases are during the middle phase of recovery because it is the full-blown stage. However, it all depends on how much you’ve been drinking and for how long.
Here are the symptoms and timelines of when they occur:
6-12 Hours After Drinking
This is the initial phase where you experience mild symptoms. Here, common symptoms include shaky hands, anxiety, sweating, and nausea.
12-48 Hours After Drinking
This is where the rubber meets the road since the symptoms are now full-blown and your body is going through severe withdrawal. During this period, expect hallucinations, hand tremors, seizures, and disorientation. Once these hours are over, the body is almost fully detoxified and blood pressure restored.
48-72 Hours After Drinking
The last 48-72 hours are always different for every recovering addict, depending on how long you’ve been dependent. At this stage, some still struggle with level two symptoms, while others show positive development. For those still struggling, common symptoms include racing hearts and fever.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal
If you’ve decided to quit alcohol but fear the alcohol withdrawal symptoms, don’t fret. Doctors prescribe medications to help ease your journey to recovery. In severe cases, a doctor can even recommend hospitalization so they can monitor you closely.
Start your Recovery Journey Today
The road to recovery from alcohol dependence is rarely easy, but it is always worth it. Withdrawal symptoms can feel overwhelming, but they are temporary. With the right support and medical care, you can get through them safely and come out the other side healthier and stronger. Sobriety opens the door to better relationships, improved health and a clearer mind with benefits that last a lifetime. Taking that first step is often the hardest part. Whether you are just beginning to consider treatment or you are ready to make a change today, know that help is available and recovery is possible. You do not have to face this alone.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependence, our team at Evolve Indianapolis is here to help. We offer personalized alcohol treatment programs designed to guide you safely through withdrawal and into lasting recovery. Explore our treatment options and find the program that is right for you.
Why Choose Evolve Indianapolis?
At Evolve Indianapolis, we understand that every recovery journey is unique. Our experienced team of medical professionals and counselors provide compassionate care tailored to your individual needs. From medically supervised detox to ongoing support, we are with you every step of the way, because your long-term wellbeing is our priority.