Alcohol withdrawal is typical in people struggling with alcoholism who stop drinking. Some people experience relatively mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms. However, severe symptoms are also possible. In addition, major withdrawal complications sometimes occur. No matter the seriousness of your symptoms or complications, medical alcohol detox and rehab are strongly recommended for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Addiction treatment centers like Northpoint Colorado provide treatment that helps keep the effects of withdrawal under control. They also help protect you from the worst possible consequences of quitting drinking. Call 888.231.1281 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about alcohol addiction and withdrawal treatment with detox and rehab.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
To be able to tell when someone needs help, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish normal social drinking behavior from problematic or addictive behavior, especially when drinking is so widely accepted in society.
Some warning signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Intense cravings for or urges to drink alcohol
- Inability to control drinking, even if they may want to
- Problems at home, work, or school due to drinking
- Financial or legal problems related to drinking
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Issues with balance and coordination
- Aggression, mood swings
- New or worsening mental illness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Withdrawal symptoms when unable to drink
Suppose you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. In that case, it is essential to get them enrolled in alcohol addiction treatment right away so the severity of their symptoms can be assessed and managed.
About Alcohol Withdrawal
When a person who is dependent on alcohol can not drink, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that range in severity from unpleasant to potentially life-threatening.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Specific symptoms are relatively common in people going through alcohol withdrawal. The list of these symptoms includes:
- Unusual shakiness, jitteriness, or jumpiness
- A nervous or anxious state of mind
- Rapid changes in your mood
- Feelings of irritability
- A depressed mental state
- Bad dreams
- Unclear thinking
You may also experience a range of other symptoms. That includes things such as nausea and vomiting, headaches, clammy skin, and hand tremors. Dilated pupils, insomnia, a rapid heartbeat, and frequent appetite loss occur.
Alcohol Withdrawal Complications
Two alcohol withdrawal symptoms are far less common but much more severe. The first of these symptoms is seizures. A seizure can be mild—however, most affected people withdrawing from alcohol experience powerful grand mal seizures. This condition requires professional alcohol withdrawal treatment.
The second potential complication is delirium tremens (DTs). People affected by the DTs may also experience seizures. In addition, they may experience things such as:
- Extreme confusion
- A very agitated mental state
- Visual or touch-based hallucinations
- A high fever
Both seizures and DTs can endanger your health. Without treating these specific alcohol withdrawal symptoms, DTs can even be fatal. However, only a tiny percentage of people withdrawing from alcohol are affected.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Detox Treatment
The alcohol detox process helps limit the intensity of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It also provides medical oversight that protects you from serious complications. Detox professionals take specific steps to reach each of these goals. For example, your doctor may prescribe a sedative to reduce the impact of withdrawal. When detox ends, you will stop taking it. If you experience seizures during detox, you will likely receive an anti-seizure medication. In addition, all people enrolled in detox receive general supportive care. It includes things such as vital sign checks and blood tests. When needed, it also provides treatment for dehydration and nutrition issues.
Alcohol rehab is an essential next step after alcohol detox. In rehab, your treatment will help you cope with any lingering withdrawal symptoms. It will also help you develop a stable pattern of long-term sobriety.
Seek Help for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms at Northpoint Colorado
At Northpoint Colorado, we specialize in inpatient medical alcohol detox. When you complete detox, you can follow up by enrolling in one of our alcohol rehab plans. Call 888.231.1281 or contact our team online to learn more about treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms and our alcohol addiction treatment in Colorado.