Medical detoxification or detox for alcohol is a process designed to help individuals safely withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. It can be done either inpatient or outpatient, depending on your health, needs, and personal preferences. People having alcohol withdrawal experienced alcohol withdrawal may suffer from sleep problems or minor signs of an overactive nervous system, such as fastened heartbeat, agitation, or sweats, for a few months.
- Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat withdrawal-related symptoms.
- Anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin and carbamazepine can help reduce your craving for more alcohol.
- By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.
- In fact, even in clinical studies of patients presenting for alcohol detoxification, the proportion of patients who developed significant symptoms ranged from 13 to 71 percent (Victor and Adams 1953; Saitz et al. 1994).
How to Prevent Alcohol Withdrawal
These programs involve working with a team of mental health professionals in a group and individual setting. You don’t need to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder in order to quit drinking. If alcohol is interfering with your health or your personal, financial, or professional life, consider quitting. Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially serious complication of alcohol use disorder.
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Doctors will monitor your symptoms and risk for alcohol withdrawal complications. It may feel hard to talk honestly to your doctor about your alcohol use. Remember that their goal is to help you get healthy, not judge you. Once they understand your drinking history, they’ll be better able to suggest treatments that could help you.
- If a person abruptly stops consuming alcohol after prolonged, excessive use, they may experience hallucinations.
- This is alcohol withdrawal, and it causes uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms.
Complications
“Physically, I feel fine now, but I still crave alcohol like crazy. That’s going to be the worst part.” “Starting to feel a little better. If I had the money, I would have gone to a 30-day rehab. I am still having shakes now and again. My head is in a fog constantly.” “I can’t believe the luxury of sleep! After a really hard time, I slept for two nights! Not all night, but great sleep.”
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of distressing and dangerous symptoms that stem from the brain lacking alcohol’s influence in the system. Withdrawal is a process that begins within a few hours after last use and creates acute symptoms that can last for 4-5 days. You’ve taken an important first step toward recovery by deciding to stop drinking. Now, try to keep in mind that even though withdrawal symptoms may be unpleasant, they’re temporary, and treatment is available during this time.
- If your drinking makes you feel out of control and you are ready to seek help, many organizations can assist you.
- Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely.
- Sleep patterns start improving, though complete normalization takes weeks or months.
- They’ll recommend treatments and resources to help you recover from alcohol use disorder.
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The benefits of abstaining often become apparent around this stage. Some nagging symptoms might linger, but the benefits far outweigh the Sober living house negative after nine days. “Feeling much better. Very slight discomfort in the chest occasionally. No sweating. Disturbed sleep? Yes. But I guess in a few days, I should be fine.” “The more time that goes by, the clearer the picture becomes. I see my triggers, and I work through them. I’m always thirsty and drink a lot of water. I’m still not sleeping through the night.” “The third day sober feels like I’m in a big black hole and under great pressure—hard to breathe, future feels bleak, lost an old trusted friend in alcohol, can’t find an alternative.”