If you rely on alcohol and suddenly stop or reduce your intake, you may experience a constellation of symptoms called alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This process can be physically and mentally challenging, sometimes even life-threatening.
Why Alcohol Withdrawal Happens
Your body adapts to the presence of alcohol over time, eventually becoming dependent on it to function. Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity and affects the balance of essential chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Your central nervous system will struggle to adapt if you suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce your alcohol intake. This abrupt change causes an overreaction in the brain, leading to a range of physical and psychological symptoms collectively known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
AWS symptoms can vary in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Generally, the symptoms fall into three categories.
1. Mild
These typically appear within six to 12 hours after the last drink and may include:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Tremors
2. Moderate
Symptoms can intensify as AWS progresses, usually within 24 to 48 hours after stopping alcohol. Moderate symptoms may include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Confusion and disorientation
- Agitation and irritability
- Heightened anxiety and panic attacks
- Sweating and clamminess
3. Severe
Severe cases of AWS can result in a life-threatening condition known as delirium tremens, which occurs in about 3% to 5% of people experiencing alcohol withdrawal. DTs typically develop within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink but can sometimes occur later. Characteristics include:
- High fever
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there
- Severe confusion and delirium
- Seizures
- Heart disturbances, such as irregular heartbeats
Why Medical Help Is Essential for Alcohol Withdrawal
Severe AWS symptoms are a medical emergency. High fever, hallucinations, disorientation, seizures, and cardiovascular irregularities are all reasons to seek immediate help. These symptoms can be life-threatening, necessitating professional assistance.
AWS symptoms can escalate quickly when you attempt to withdraw from alcohol on your own, putting you at risk of dangerous complications. Here’s why medical attention is critical for managing AWS.
- Vital signs monitoring: In a clinical detox setting, a trained treatment team will monitor you around the clock to ensure your safety. Experienced clinicians can quickly respond to complications as they arise and provide medications if necessary to ease your symptoms, reducing discomfort and preventing potentially dangerous effects like seizures.
- Emotional support: Alcohol withdrawal can be psychologically challenging. Hope Lodge provides a safe, comfortable setting with counselors and staff who will help you cope with the emotional effects of withdrawal.
- Transition to treatment: Detoxification is only the first step in recovery. Following detox, you can seamlessly move into residential treatment, where you will participate in individual and group counseling to address the underlying causes of your alcohol use and learn relapse prevention strategies.
Medically Supervised Detox in California
Hope Lodge offers medically managed detoxification at our Costa Mesa and Lake Arrowhead locations. Our trained team of addiction specialists will create a tailored plan for your recovery, implementing evidence-based therapies to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Alcohol dependency is a complex condition, and you should not underestimate the potential severity of withdrawal. However, with support and supervision, you can overcome AWS and take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.
Don’t face the heartbreak of addiction and the perils of withdrawal alone. Contact Hope Lodge today to learn more about our alcohol detox and treatment programs. Our compassionate team is here to help you build a foundation for lasting sobriety.