Many people reading this either have had or been around someone who has had a hangover. These hangovers usually include a headache, maybe a stomachache, grogginess, and an all-around unpleasantness. While unpleasant, they are usually mild and go away after a short while. They may also be a clue to drink far less the next time. However, this is not the case with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can be much more. Also, the individual may be at a point where they won’t stop drinking, despite the mental or physical pain that drinking is causing to their life.
What Exactly Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is represented by a set of specific side effects and symptoms that occur once an individual has stopped ingesting alcohol. These only occur, however, after an individual has ingested a significant amount of alcohol over a significant amount of time (the specifics will vary based on the individual).
For individuals struggling with active alcohol addiction, alcohol withdrawal syndrome can kick in as soon as six hours after they have taken their last drink. Symptoms can last roughly around a week; however, if not treated properly, the long-term psychological effects can last much longer. This is why getting treated as soon as the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome show up is critical.
What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
People who go through alcohol withdrawal syndrome are going to have their own unique experiences. However, there are some common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome that tend to affect the majority of people. The following are just a few of these warning signs and symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense headaches that won’t dissipate
- Sweating
- Cold and hot flashes
- Easily agitated
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Shaky and disoriented
- Depression
- Continued feelings of nervousness and anxiousness
- Clouded judgment
As one can see, these are rather disturbing symptoms. However, there are some instances when these symptoms become so severe that they can be fatal.
What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can produce something known as delirium tremens (DTs). For people with long-term alcohol dependence, DTs usually show up a few days after the last drink and can be very dangerous.
DTs can cause severe confusion, elevated blood pressure, shaking and chills, and significant hallucinations. When these symptoms show up it is critical to reach out to medical professionals and/or reputable recovery centers right away. This is because DTs, in some instances, can be deadly.
The Importance of Medically Supervised Alcohol Detox
Medically supervised alcohol detox is going to ensure that the individual comes down off of alcohol as safely and painlessly as possible. They will have the necessary tools to ensure that the individual is properly hydrated and has the necessary nutrients replenished. Also, medically supervised alcohol detox can best ensure that an individual does not stop short of fully getting the alcohol out of their system and relapse.
These relapses are much more common than many people think. As stated by Addiction Relapse Prevention, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
Also, medically supervised detox can ensure that a proper post-alcohol detox plan is set in place so that the continued addiction care an individual requires takes place. This may include inpatient care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). These types of detoxes can also ensure that individuals connect to the recovery communities that can help keep people in long-term sobriety long after the detox process.
Healing at the Cellular Level With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe that recovery can start at the detox level, but real recovery for healing at the cellular level must continue long after. That is why we create the types of individualized and comprehensive recovery plans that ensure that our clients experience long-term recovery rather than short-lived sobriety.
We understand that experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be a very unnerving time. That is why we are here to help ease some of those nerves. The fact of the matter is that, if done right, alcohol withdrawal syndrome will go away. Once that happens, the next step is taking the road to long-term recovery and a new and better way of life.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is something that many people struggling with alcohol addiction must overcome. It is also important to understand that alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be very dangerous if it is not treated properly. This proper treatment often includes an intensive medically supervised alcohol detox, as well as a focused treatment plan including therapy and recovery meetings to follow. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the successful road to long-term recovery. For more information regarding the ins and outs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
