Often, people think that stopping drinking may just lead to a little discomfort (such as a hangover), but this is not always the case. For some individuals, like those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), stopping drinking without the proper assistance can be very dangerous. In some instances, it can even be deadly.
What Happens After You Stop Drinking Alcohol?
For most people, stopping drinking is no problem. This is even true for many “regular” drinkers. They may feel some discomfort, such as trouble sleeping right away, or perhaps headaches, as the alcohol fully leaves their system. They may even feel some emotional anxiety around these symptoms, but this will dissipate quickly if they are not addicted to alcohol.
Now, if you are struggling with AUD, stopping drinking is going to be a much more serious proposition. It is something that must occur, but it is also something that must be done with professional help. This is because stopping alcohol “cold turkey” can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and this can be very dangerous. It can even be deadly in severe cases.
So, what exactly is AWS? According to the peer-reviewed journal, Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, “Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a well‐known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking, and it occurs in about 8% of hospitalized AUD inpatients. Severe AWS more than doubles the length of stay and frequently requires treatment in the ICU. A complicated AWS includes epileptic seizures and/or delirium tremens (DT), the occurrence of which may be as high as 15% in AUD patients.” Of course, this is the more severe side of alcohol withdrawal.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
The reality is that alcohol is still widely used in the United States and around the world. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome by Doctors Canver, Newman, and Gomez, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “[A]lcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States, with over 75% of individuals aged 12 and older reporting lifetime consumption. Alcohol consumption spans a spectrum from low-risk to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome poses a significant clinical challenge arising from the spectrum of AUD – a prevalent condition affecting a substantial portion of the United States population.”
The spectrum of alcohol use and misuse is broad, the signs and symptoms are going to vary based on the individual and the situation. However, there are some universal signs that alcohol withdrawal may present a problem for an individual. The following are just a few of those signs:
- Struggling to get to sleep or excessive sleep after cessation of alcohol
- Extreme headaches
- Bodyaches and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling excessively anxious after stopping drinking
- Having feelings of depression and hopelessness
- Feeling like the only solution is to have another drink
- Wanting to use other substances to cope with not drinking
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Struggling to think clearly
- Having suicidal ideations
The potential for serious harm is very present if someone begins to feel alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This is particularly true for those individuals who have AUD. This is why reaching out for professional help and seeking a safe and secure detox is critical for starting the recovery journey.
Stop Drinking Alcohol? Effective Recovery Options
Not only is a professional detox setting preferred for individuals who stop drinking with AUD, but it is often essential. This is because the sudden cessation of alcohol for some people can lead to seizures, which can be deadly. Medical detox professionals can ensure that all vital levels are safe and healthy while an alcohol detox is occurring. It also makes the detox process much more comfortable by ensuring that proper nutrients and hydration levels are stable.
The detox process is also important because it helps to connect you to the next steps of your recovery. This may be a residential treatment stay or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both of these programs can offer life-saving modalities that can help you recover from AUD in the long term.
These are means, methods, and modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These psychotherapies can help get to the deeper underlying causes of your drinking and can ultimately help to stave off the behaviors that may lead to drinking. Other therapies that can be helpful are experiential therapies like art therapy and holistic healing methods like mindfulness meditation and yoga therapy.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes plans that start with a safe and secure detox.
If you are ready to live a life beyond your wildest dreams, a life beyond addiction, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help.
You may be unaware of all of the physical and mental changes your body experiences after you stop drinking alcohol. The reality is that both physical and emotional withdrawal can be very taxing. If not done right, improper detox can also lead to a potential relapse. However, many effective methods can help you stay recovered after you stop drinking. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
