Quitting alcohol on your own can be very dangerous for a person with advanced alcoholism.
The intense cravings for alcohol that happen in an person with alcohol abuse disorder will typically spur a person further into alcoholism before he or she realizes the need for help. Some of the short-term effects of alcohol withdrawal may include shaking, body pains, restlessness, cramping, and bowel problems. The more advanced the person’s drinking habit is, the more severe these withdrawal symptoms will be, and will appear much more quickly than in someone with a milder drinking habit.
Heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to brain damage, liver disease, internal organ failure, depression, nerve damage, and significant financial, social, and psychological problems. Some of the effects of alcohol consumption may require long-term medical care. As a severe drinking problem persists, the risk of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and interpersonal violence increases.
Having access to appropriate alcoholism treatment makes a huge difference in long-term outcomes. Proper detox treatment can help identify long-term medical complications related to alcohol addiction that could help initiate treatment sooner than later.
Many alcoholics also suffer from malnutrition, dehydration and vitamin deficiencies from long-term alcohol abuse. Alcohol naturally dehydrates the body and many alcoholics forego proper nutrition in favor of drinking their libation of choice and eating only when necessary. During detox, an alcoholic will likely receive vitamin replacement therapy and nutritional support to replace nutrients lost during active addiction. This helps lay the groundwork for a stronger recovery because the stress of rehab is much easier to handle with a healthy body.
Alcohol withdrawal causes physical discomfort for anyone with alcoholism. Mild symptoms may include sweating, mild tremors, increased blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms often run in tandem with cravings for more alcohol. The more severe the addiction, the more intense these cravings will be for a person ceasing alcohol consumption. One of the most dangerous possible withdrawal symptoms is delirium tremens.
What is delirium tremens? It is a severe neurological condition resulting from alcohol withdrawal. Roughly one in ten people who experience alcohol withdrawal develop this condition and the death rate can be as high as 35 percent. Delirium tremens or “the DTs” can involve a host of dangerous symptoms including:
Delirium tremens treatment typically involves medications to manage these symptoms like anti-convulsants and anti-seizure medicines. Medical supervision is necessary to control a patient who may be experiencing intense hallucinations and could be a danger to him or herself or others. Licensed practitioners can also monitor patient vital signs to track heart function and breathing.
Without medical intervention, the symptoms of delirium tremens can be deadly. If a person with an advanced case of alcoholism decides to “go cold turkey,” he or she may be putting his or her life at serious risk.
If you or a loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment, detox is the first step. In fact most people begin detox treatment while still under the influence. It can be difficult to transport an individual already suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms to a treatment facility. Many individuals who attempt to self-detox from advanced alcoholism wind up in emergency rooms. It’s vital to approach detox in a way that’s comfortable for you and truly commit to making a change.
If you are looking for a California drug and alcohol detox center that offers comprehensive, professional detox services, Bright Future Recovery can help. *If this is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Bright Future Recovery has a spacious nine-bed detox center in Hollister, California. Our cozy atmosphere and spacious, private and semi-private rooms for men and women offer a professionally-hosted detox experience in a comfortable, supportive environment. Substance abuse treatment programs include a recovery preparation program that begins with detox, leading to admission into a rehabilitation program. We also offer holistic treatments to help fight the stress of rehab with equine, massage, and exercise therapies.
Our comprehensive continuum of care offers the best chance of achieving lifelong sobriety. We understand that you or your loved one with alcoholism may dread the thought of enduring detox, but our professional, licensed, and thoroughly trained staff has the skills and resources to provide a safe and effective alcohol detox.
CEO, Founder of Bright Future Recovery
Knowledgeable. Passionate. Relentless. Inspirational. These are just some of the words that would describe Bright Future Recovery Center’s Founder and CEO Cheree Ashley. But there is so much more. To know Cheree is to embrace all that she experienced in her life. Instead of allowing adversity to curtail personal vision and success, she used it to catapult her forward and thrive. This is the essence of what she holds dear and wants to help others achieve the same sense of achievement.
As a Certified Intervention Professional, Registered Addiction Specialist, Medication Assisted Treatment Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Addiction Specialist, Cheree is sought after by her peers for her deep understanding of the nature of addiction. She travels throughout the country as a public speaker and educator.
