You may have heard that abruptly quitting drinking is potentially deadly. Although death from alcohol withdrawal is uncommon, it is true that in cases of severe alcoholism, several complications can be life-threatening. Before I quit drinking in 2011, I was physically dependent on alcohol. Although physical alcohol addiction is not uncommon, many people with alcohol use disorder who decide to quit drinking never actually experience physical dependence. The question “Can you die from alcohol withdrawals” highlights a very real concern about this process. If you are concerned about your drinking, reach out to our Atlanta Detox Center to get information about how you can leave alcohol behind. Our alcohol detox center provides structure and support as you begin your recovery.

Alcohol: America’s Deadly Household Drug

The national opioid crisis has been in the spotlight for years, as it should be. Opioids were involved in more than 100,000 deaths in the U.S. between April 2020 and 2021.¹ But as pharmaceutical companies are being held accountable for marketing addictive substances and the rate of overdose deaths continues to rise, it is easy to forget that alcohol continues to be more deadly than opiates.

Close to 178,000 people die each year from alcohol-related deaths.² In the years since prohibition ended in the United States in 1933, alcohol consumption has gone from being considered sinful and immoral to society to a family-friendly activity. Despite the regulations on the alcohol industry, its effects are still felt by families everywhere who have lost a loved one to alcohol.

The dangers of detoxing from alcohol do not compare with the devastation that alcohol brings to many, including major health problems such as liver disease, cardiac issues, and fatal accidents. Death by alcohol is far more common than death brought on by alcohol detox, despite the risk factors of withdrawal from drink.

My Alcohol Addiction and Detox Story

The following was shared with us by a patient who asked to remain anonymous:

“In my last several months of drinking, I often finished a handle of whiskey in less than two days. I was a junior in college and drinking around the clock. Because I always had alcohol in my system, I did not experience severe withdrawal symptoms during the day until toward the end of classes. By the time my last class was ending, I had begun to shake noticeably. This early sign of withdrawal did not end until I got back to my room and began drinking again.

Experiencing tremors (aka the shakes) can be scary but does not mean that you are going to die. Tremors are not the same thing as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs are essentially a combination of physical tremors with other serious symptoms, including a rapid onset of mental confusion and possible hallucinations. They can be deadly.

Still, only about 5 percent of people who go through alcohol withdrawal will experience delirium tremens. When I knew I had to get help, I enrolled in an intensive outpatient program (IOP). By the time I was admitted, I hadn’t consumed alcohol in more than a day. Although I already was in withdrawal and showing signs of tremors, I was admitted without going through a detox program. While I turned out okay, I would not wish that experience on anyone. Medically assisted detox is recommended for anyone who is starting recovery from alcohol.”

• Anonymous

Doctors and other personnel manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, thus improving your success rates and decreasing the risks of early relapse. Alcohol might be legal, but that doesn’t mean it is any less deadly than other drugs.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Depending on the severity of alcohol addiction, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can be physical, cognitive, and psychiatric. Someone who drinks alcohol regularly and then suddenly stops drinking “cold turkey” might experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the physical signs of withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Seizures
• High blood pressure

Cognitive withdrawal symptoms may be:

• Delirium tremens (DTs)
• Hallucinations
• Mental confusion
• Disorientation

Some of the psychiatric symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, cardiac complications such as arrhythmia generally occur after an alcohol binge, not during intoxication. It has been estimated that 6.6 percent of patients admitted to hospitals or alcohol detox centers for alcohol withdrawal syndrome died because of complications arising from their symptoms.1

Delirium tremens only occur in a small percentage of those experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Of those, only a few will face fatal consequences. Regardless, dangerous or lethal outcomes from withdrawal can be readily mitigated by undergoing detox under medical supervision.

The staff at our detox centers in Atlanta, GA, are equipped to handle a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain and discomfort
• Cardiac complications
• Panic attacks
• DTs
• Cravings
• Co-occurring mental health disorders that emerge
• Suicidal ideation

Our Georgia detox center will prioritize your safety and well-being during the alcohol withdrawal process. With experienced staff and comprehensive medical supervision, we are equipped to handle a wide range of symptoms, including pain, cardiac complications, panic attacks, delirium tremens (DTs), cravings, co-occurring mental health disorders, and suicidal ideation. You don’t have to face the prospect of dying from alcohol withdrawal alone; we’re here to support you every step of the way toward recovery.

Tips for Avoiding Death From Alcohol Withdrawal

Seizures and delirium tremens, two potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, can be brought on by a sudden halt in alcohol consumption. To minimize these dangers, seek medical advice and gradually reduce alcohol use under supervision. The process, also known as tapering, helps the body to gradually adjust to lower levels of alcohol, decreasing the shock to the system and the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Medical practitioners can create custom tapering plans based on each patient’s requirements, guaranteeing a safer transition to sobriety.

The intensity of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person and can be unpredictable. It is crucial to seek medical supervision during the withdrawal process to guarantee safety and minimize any possible effects. To treat withdrawal symptoms and avoid potentially fatal consequences, medical professionals can evaluate the patient’s general health, check for any underlying medical issues, and provide the right medication. Medical supervision also lowers the risk of death associated with severe alcohol withdrawal by enabling close monitoring of vital signs and quick action in case of emergency. Avoiding death by alcohol withdrawal is possible with the right support.

Overcome Alcohol Withdrawal with Support from Atlanta Detox Center

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, Atlanta Detox Center (ADC) can help. We are proud providers of a variety of Atlanta detox treatment services, including medication management and 24-hour support.

Give us a call at 844-658-0927 to learn more about how our detox in Atlanta can support the withdrawal process of you or your loved one today.

Source:

1. SAMHSA – Opioid Overdose
2. NIH – Alcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States
3. NIH – Medical Complications: Common Alcohol-Related Concerns