Quitting alcohol is a choice that has many benefits, especially if you have been drinking for a long time. Alcohol dependency and addiction are diseases that affect millions of Americans each year. However, getting sober is not always easy, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause significant stress and pain. Dealing with the effects of alcohol withdrawal is one of the main concerns of people who decide to enter recovery. In most cases, entering an alcohol detox and rehab program is the safest and most convenient choice.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, there’s no better time than the present to get support from an alcohol detox and rehab program. At Northpoint Colorado, we understand that alcohol withdrawal is different from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. As part of our intake process and assessment, we determine the proper course of action for each patient during their detox. This integrative, individualized approach is how we have successfully helped thousands of people get sober. If you would like to learn more about our programs, contact us at 888.231.1281.
Why Go Through Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant commonly used to relax or relieve anxiety. It does this by increasing the effectiveness of GABA, a compound produced in the brain that creates feelings of calm and relaxation. It also reduces the effect of glutamate, another compound that creates a sense of excitability.
These effects are not inherently harmful. However, tolerance to alcohol builds up quickly. Heavy drinkers must continue to drink much more to achieve the same feeling of calm and relaxation. The brain and body continue to expect alcohol and may have difficulty adjusting without it. This phase is one of dependency, where a person no longer functions normally without alcohol.
Withdrawal is the body’s reaction to the lack of alcohol. When a person stops drinking, their brain is still overproducing glutamate and underproducing GABA. It takes time for the body to re-adjust to being sober. While the body is recovering from long-term alcohol use, a person may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Elevated heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
How to Deal with Alcohol Withdrawal
The best way to deal with alcohol withdrawal is to enter an alcohol detox and rehab program. While very mild cases may be able to detox at home, there is always a chance that severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms may appear. These symptoms can range from unpleasant and painful to terrifying and life-threatening.
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox and Rehab at Northpoint Colorado
Northpoint Colorado offers a multi-step program to support patients during detox and rehab, giving them the best chance of success in recovery.
- Medically assisted detox – We use medically-assisted treatment, full-time monitoring, and expert psychiatric care to help patients through detox. This stage allows patients to cleanse their bodies of alcohol.
- Inpatient rehab – Once the worst of the withdrawal symptoms have ended, patients will spend around three weeks working with certified therapists to address the root causes of alcohol addiction. The therapists will educate the patient about healthier coping mechanisms and treat any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Get Help for Alcohol Withdrawal at Northpoint Colorado
Trying to quit alcohol at home can be dangerous. If you or someone you care about is thinking of getting sober, Northpoint Colorado is ready to help. Getting support through a professional alcohol detox and rehab center is the easiest and safest way to deal with alcohol withdrawal. If you want to start on the road to recovery, you can contact us at 888.231.1281.