Those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol for a long period of time may have physical and psychological alcohol dependence and may need to enter into an alcohol addiction treatment program. As a result, it could be extremely challenging to cut back or stop consuming alcohol altogether. This is because they might be suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms each time they attempt to stop. Atlanta Detox Center is here to help you understand alcohol withdrawal symptoms and how to safely detox from alcohol to recover.

About Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Data available from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows us that, during 2018, over 14 million American adults suffered from alcohol use disorder. That means there is a significant amount of people throughout the country experiencing the effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking. These symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how long the individual drinks.

Mild symptoms include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Shaking hands
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting

Individuals experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms could experience hallucinations after 12 to 24 hours of not drinking. Within the first two days, these symptoms could also include seizures. There is also the change of experiencing DTs (delirium tremens), which could result in confusion, fever, high blood pressure, heavy sweating, and a racing heart.

Treating Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who are going through alcohol withdrawal symptoms must do so with help from our Atlanta Detox Center staff. That way, it is possible to receive accurate treatments. Unless there is a history of severe withdrawals or an underlying health condition, most people who are going through alcohol withdrawal symptoms find success in a supportive environment. Examples of these environments include those that have:

  • Healthy foods and plenty of fluids
  • Limited contact with other individuals
  • Soft lighting, as well as quiet rooms and common areas
  • Supportive and positive atmospheres

Those who experience spikes in their body temperature or blood pressure should seek medical attention immediately. You should also seek professional help if you experience severe symptoms such as hallucinations or seizures.

Understanding the Timeline

Those who are abstaining from drinking and start to experience withdrawal symptoms can expect them to occur in three stages.

  • Stage One: During the first stage, it is not uncommon for those who stop drinking to experience abdominal pain, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. These symptoms could appear as soon as eight hours after someone stops drinking.
  • Stage Two: This stage often includes confusion, high blood pressure, increases in body temperature, and an unusual heart rate. These symptoms might begin appearing between 24 and 72 hours after their last drink.
  • Stage Three: When those who are trying to stop drinking reach this stage, symptoms could include agitation, fever, hallucinations, and seizures. It is not uncommon to see these symptoms present themselves two to four days after someone stops drinking.

Preventing Withdrawal Symptoms

Most withdrawal symptoms subside after five to seven weeks. Participating in a residential addiction treatment program is a short-term fix. It is up to the individual to treat the core issue. This means talking to a physician or therapist about options for alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse. Taking that step during treatment puts individuals closer to preventing relapse. That means, after you go through these symptoms once, you have a better chance of not going through this again.

How Atlanta Detox Center Can Help

Do you, a loved one, or someone else you know want to stop drinking, but you have worries about the alcohol withdrawal symptoms you might experience? If so, you are not alone and should not have to experience these concerns without the best support. Now is the time to reach out to Atlanta Detox Center by contacting 470-450-2355 to learn more about your treatment options.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!