Let’s Know About Alcohol Detox Symptoms and Withdrawal Syndrome
Alcohol dependence can have a deep effect on the body as well as the mind. Recovery in the majority of people starts with alcohol detox, a process by which the body removes the toxins left behind by alcohol. But alcohol detox isn’t an easy path to follow. It is usually preceded and succeeded by a series of alcohol detox symptoms as well as alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms, which are from minor to severe.
What is alcohol detox?
Alcohol detox is when the body eliminates alcohol after an individual has quitting alcohol. It is a critical component of alcohol addiction recovery. While this is occurring, the brain and body must learn to survive without alcohol, and this may cause several alcohol detox symptoms.
When an individual consumes large amounts or frequently for an extended period, the body adapts to alcohol. This is to say that the Central Nervous System (CNS) and other body components become accustomed to the slowing effect of alcohol. As the individual abstains from alcohol, the body experiences a shock, resulting in withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a group of symptoms that occur when an alcohol-dependent individual suddenly reduces or abstains from alcohol consumption. The symptoms may begin a few hours after the last alcohol intake and may persist for a few days. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms varies on various factors. They are the duration for which the individual has been consuming alcohol, the quantity of alcohol that the individual tends to drink, and his general health. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal syndrome may lead to delirium tremens (DTs). It is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Characteristic symptoms of alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and detox can occur in one’s body as well as in one’s mind. While a few individuals can experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe physical reactions. Below are some of the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
1. Physical Symptoms:
- Shakiness and Tremors: Shaking or shakiness is one of the most prevalent symptoms of alcohol detox, usually occurring in the hands and arms. Tremors may start a few hours after the last use.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in cold temperatures, indicates that an individual might be going through alcohol withdrawal. The body struggles to maintain its temperature and deal with the lack of alcohol.
- Headaches: When someone stops drinking alcohol, they often get headaches. These can be mild or severe as the body gets used to not having alcohol.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Alcohol detox influences the stomach, and vomiting and nausea are prevalent withdrawal symptoms of consumption.
- Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: When an individual does not drink alcohol, his nervous system becomes more active. This can make his heart beat faster and raise his blood pressure.
- Sleep Disturbances: Most patients undergoing alcohol detox have difficulty sleeping. Disturbed sleep or insomnia is typically an alcohol withdrawal symptom.
2. Psychological Symptoms:
- Anxiety: Irritability and anxiety are prevalent when alcohol use is stopped. Individuals may feel anxious, tense, or uneasy, particularly during the early stages of withdrawal.
- Depression: Some individuals become sad or hopeless after alcohol is eliminated from the system. These are typical alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Mood Swings: The brain chemicals are not in balance while detoxing from alcohol, and it can lead to sudden mood swings.
- Disorientation or Confusion: A few patients become disoriented or confused, particularly when withdrawal symptoms escalate into delirium tremens (DTs), a toxic withdrawal syndrome.
3. Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal:
At times, when a person abstains from alcohol, they may experience severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Such symptoms may involve:
- Delirium Tremens (DTs): The most severe of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can include severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and elevated blood pressure. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency and potentially life-threatening.
- Seizures: They may occur 12 to 48 hours after the last use, and they are among the most severe withdrawal symptoms. Seizures are a medical emergency.
- Fever: Fever is also felt as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, and the withdrawal is aggravated.
Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal: Detox Is Needed
When an individual has an alcohol problem, detoxification is usually required to allow the body to recover and return to its normal condition. Detoxifying from alcohol removes the adverse effects of alcohol from the body and enables the individual to feel even again. However, since the withdrawal effects of alcohol are potent, detoxification should usually be performed under the supervision of a doctor.
Physicians can provide medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, work with the psychological aspects of alcohol withdrawal, and monitor vital signs to ensure the individual is safe throughout the process. Detox is also when individuals can begin to explore why they are addicted and start their journey toward long-term recovery through therapy and counseling.
How Long Do Alcohol Detox Symptoms Last?
The length of time that alcohol detox symptoms last will be different from person to person. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start six to 12 hours after the last time the person consumed alcohol. Symptoms are generally the worst after 24 to 48 hours and begin to disappear after three to five days. Some people can have symptoms like mood swings or cravings that last for weeks or even months. These are known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and are treated with ongoing therapy and counseling.
Alcohol detox is a complex but inevitable recovery process from alcohol addiction. Alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal signs can be wildly unpredictable in intensity, from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening medical conditions. It is wise to listen to the signs of alcohol withdrawal early, as they could indicate that you need to get medical assistance. If a friend or you have a problem with drinking, you must see a doctor to get help. Detoxification, combined with a complete treatment program, can provide the needed assistance to cope with withdrawal symptoms and allow individuals to recover for a long duration of time from alcoholism and withdrawal.