Drug and Alcohol Detox Center
Those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol for a long period 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 how to treat withdrawal from alcohol and the symptoms associated with it.
About Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
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 alcohol withdrawal 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 chance 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 appropriate levels of support. 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 Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Those who are abstaining from drinking can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms occurring in three stages. Each stage functions at a different level of severity, with symptoms either escalating or dissipating depending on the level of intervention.
Stages of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline include:
- 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 appear 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.
Given the progressive nature of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is crucial for individuals experiencing these stages to seek medical attention and support. Early intervention can significantly alleviate the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, facilitating a safer and more manageable path to recovery. Contact our team to learn more about our Atlanta alcohol detox program today.
Medications Used to Treat Alcohol Withdrawal
During the detoxification process, medications are essential for controlling alcohol withdrawal symptoms, guaranteeing patient safety, and offering comfort. Most commonly, professionals will utilize benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal symptom management, including lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). They function by lowering the likelihood of seizures, reducing tension and anxiety, and relaxing the central nervous system. The length and dosage of benzodiazepine treatment are closely managed to avoid drug dependence. Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine are occasionally employed as substitutes, particularly in individuals who have a history of benzodiazepine addiction or who are at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants, there are other drugs used to treat alcohol withdrawal and support overall recovery. Beta-blockers like propranolol and clonidine are frequently used to treat the elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate that accompanies alcohol withdrawal. These drugs serve to regulate the cardiovascular system and lower the risk of challenges. Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol may be used for people who are very agitated or have hallucinations.
To prevent the deficits that are frequently observed in chronic alcohol drinkers and to maintain neurological health during the withdrawal process, nutritional support—including thiamine and multivitamins—is also crucial. Healthcare professionals can design a comprehensive treatment plan that is specific to each patient’s needs by combining these drugs, making the detoxification process safer and more efficient.
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 that after you go through these symptoms once, you have a better chance of not going through this again.
How Our Detox in Atlanta 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. Our detox centers in Georgia are familiar with how to treat withdrawal from alcohol and all the complications that can come with it. If you are uncertain of insurance coverage or the admissions process, we can assist you with that, too.
