The length of an alcohol detox varies, and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. For this reason, it is wise to seek expert guidance.
For people thinking about detox, it is important to comprehend symptoms of addiction, typical withdrawal symptoms, and available treatments. It is always advisable to seek help from a professional alcohol rehab treatment center that can counsel and make your detoxification experience much safer and more enjoyable.
Withdrawal symptoms
Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur in three stages:
Stage 1:
The first symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
It may tend to start within eight hours of your last drink.
Stage 2:
Here the symptoms can be:
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Abnormal heart rate
Typically, these symptoms start 24 to 72 hours after your last drink.
Stage 3:
Typically, these symptoms start about 2 to 4 days after your final drink and may include:
- Fever
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
In addition to the physical manifestations, there may also be some psychological side effects, such as worry or alcohol cravings.
Such withdrawal symptoms are frequently too harmful, particularly if the sufferer has seizures or very strong hallucinations. Therefore, one must visit a rehab center, where experienced medical staff can help and monitor the worsening symptoms.
Withdrawal treatment
When a patient visits a medical center for detoxification, then healthcare professionals may often use medication in order to treat the symptoms of withdrawal. Doctors may suggest benzodiazepines to manage seizures and a few other alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
When the patient visits any rehab center, the healthcare team will first monitor the following parameters of the patient:
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Breathing condition.
In a few cases, a person may prefer to reduce their alcohol intake gradually over several weeks. In such cases, a person must work with a doctor or healthcare professional to develop a proper schedule that they are able to follow safely to reduce dependency.
It is possible to avoid such nasty withdrawal symptoms of alcohol by preferring to detox in a very systematic and gradual manner. A doctor might also suggest certain dietary changes or supplements, like vitamins B-1 (thiamin) and B-9 (folic acid). This can help the body to cope with reducing alcohol intake.
