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Symptoms of Alcohol WithdrawalWhen going through an alcohol detoxification program, the alcoholic will inevitably go through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or they can actually be life-threatening. Therefore, receiving the proper treatment while going through alcohol detoxification is important.
The Severity of the Alcoholism
The severity of the alcoholism will have much to do with the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. A person that drinks heavily ever day will develop a higher level of dependency on the alcohol. Those who have built up a high level of tolerance will likely experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, those who drink a small amount of alcohol on a daily basis or who drink large amounts of alcohol on a frequent basis, but not every day, can also experience withdrawal symptoms when denied alcohol.
Cravings
The most common alcohol withdrawal symptom people experience when going through the alcohol detoxification process is cravings. Cravings are simply when the person’s body feels like it wants a drink. These cravings become more and more intense as the person continues to deny him or herself the drink. Those who are trying to stop drinking on their own often cave in at this point, deciding it is less painful to take a drink than to continue to fight off the cravings. This is precisely why alcohol support groups are so helpful, because the alcoholic can contact someone else to help him or her through the craving.
Uncontrollable Shakes
A person that is not heavily chemically dependent upon the alcohol might still experience the shakes or sweats when going through alcohol detoxification. The person might also experience anxiety, nausea, headaches, increased blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat. These withdrawal symptoms are irritating and uncomfortable, but not life threatening. Nonetheless, they can make it difficult to stay away from the alcohol.
The DTs
Within the first six to 48 hours of alcohol detoxification, the alcoholic may also experience DTs. This starts off as hallucinations, which are usually visual. They can, however, involve hallucinatory smells and sounds as well. These hallucinations may last for only a few hours or can actually last for several weeks.
During the same timeframe, the alcoholic might also begin experiencing seizures or convulsion. When this occurs, the alcohol detoxification process can be dangerous and will require medical intervention. If left untreated, it can lead to full-blown DTs, or delirium tremens. This generally occurs three to five days after going through alcohol detoxification. Signs of DTs are hyperactivity, disorientation, confusion, hallucinations, and cardiovascular disturbances. If DTs are not prevented before they occur, they cannot be treated. As a result, the alcoholic may experience a heart attack, grand mal seizures, and a stroke – all of which can be fatal.
Because alcohol detoxification can lead to fatal consequences, it is important to seek treatment from a professional when overcoming addiction in order to ensure complicated medical problems do not occur.
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