Causes
Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal
While having a drink or two at a celebration or social gathering is considered relatively harmless, there are those who drink at such a frequency or in such excessive amounts that it becomes problematic.
The regular abuse of alcohol can cause an individual to develop a tolerance for it, which means that the person will require more of his or her drink of choice in order to experience the desired effects. The longer a substance abuse problem of this kind persists, the more likely it is that that person will develop an alcohol addiction, also known as an alcohol use disorder. This condition can stem from both the frequent use of alcohol and when the use of this substance is excessive. Regardless if a person is drinking wine, beer, or spirits, an addiction to alcohol can form.
Over time, if a person’s abuse of alcohol is long-standing, an individual can become physically dependent on it. Developing a physical dependence on alcohol means than the person’s body has now become accustomed to the presence of it and is likely to have difficulty functioning when alcohol is no longer present in a person’s system. Should an individual abruptly cease his or her use of alcohol once dependent on it, painful and uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal are likely to emerge.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are a strong indicator that an individual is in need of treatment from a rehab center in order to overcome his or her addiction. Fortunately there are options for care in that can alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and free a person from the grips of this serious chemical dependency concern.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
Several contributing factors can influence the apparentness and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Often reliant on how long a person has been addicted to alcohol, the amount he or she consumes, and if the person is also grappling with certain medical conditions at the same time can all affect the obviousness and seriousness of withdrawal symptoms.
The process of withdrawal when a person is addicted to alcohol can, unlike the withdrawal processes associated with other substances, be deadly if it is not supervised by a medical professional. The reason behind this is that alcohol withdrawal can be severe and cause a number of symptoms that can compromise a person’s health. For this reason, it is necessary to seek treatment from a center if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Shakiness
- Vomiting
- Inability to think clearly
- Accelerated heart rate
- Confusion
- Depressed mood
- Agitation
- Clammy skin
- Fatigue
- Dilated pupils
- Abrupt mood changes
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Feelings of anxiety
- Poor appetite
- Seizures
Seeking Treatment
Why Seek Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
The risks associated with alcohol addiction are vast in amount. Alcohol overdose, which is more commonly known as alcohol poisoning, is quite possible if a person drinks too much, and the withdrawal symptoms that can emerge if one suddenly stops drinking can be life-threatening. Additionally, a person’s occupational, social, emotional, and physical health are all in danger of being damaged by a drinking problem, with some consequences being irreversible.
If the symptoms of withdrawal appear once an individual stops drinking, it is probable that that person is struggling with an addiction. In many instances, an individual will continue on his or her addictive cycle, as resuming one’s drinking habits temporarily alleviates withdrawal symptoms. When this is the case, it is imperative that the individual seeks out and receives treatment from a rehab center so as to avoid any further detriments in his or her life.
Presently, there are several centers for care that exist that can help men and women alike break free from the perilous cycle of alcohol abuse. Residential treatment, one of the most effective treatment options for those who wish to recover, is a level of care that has helped countless individuals. Within residential treatment, a person is able to go through the process of withdrawal under the watchful eye of professionals. Typically, those who are battling a severe addiction to alcohol will receive detoxification services, or detox, at the start of their treatment if partaking in residential care at a rehab center. Detox involves ridding the body of the harmful substances of abuse that led to the development of an addiction in the first place. When receiving detox, a person’s health is closely monitored by medical professionals and he or she may even be given certain medications to make him or her more comfortable. Furthermore, while in detox within a residential treatment center, an individual will not have the opportunity to resume his or her use of alcohol and can work on achieving true recovery.
Mirror Lake Recovery Center, a premier alcohol addiction rehab center for men and women, supplies the life-changing and life-saving treatment that adults need to reclaim their lives from alcohol addiction. If you or someone you care about is experiencing alcohol withdrawal and would like to put the abuse of this substance to rest once and for all, feel free to give us a call. Our staff is standing by to help you determine if our center is the place to begin your recovered life.
