The Symptoms Associated With Alcohol Detox

by Bridget on March 29, 2012

If you are battling an alcohol addiction, you know how incredibly hard it can be to stop drinking on your own. You should seek a medical intervention as quickly as possible so you do not develop long term health issues as a result of your excessive drinking. It is a good idea for people struggling with alcohol to seek help in a residential rehab facility. However, before rehab, it may be a good idea for an alcoholic to go through a detox. Detox symptoms can be very painful, which is why a doctor should be present to administer soothing medications. It is nearly impossible for a person with an alcohol addiction to stop drinking on their own.

Stages Of Addiction

The first stage of alcohol addiction is known as the early years of alcohol addiction. This is when the drinker is no longer drinking for the same reasons they started drinking. They are drinking purely for the mood changing effects as opposed to social events or pure enjoyment. Stage two is representative of more alcohol more frequently and can lead to risky or dangerous behavior.  This is when drinking is uncontrollable and leads to a loss of control regarding physical and mental capacities. This is also a period where the drinker believes that they truly can quit at any time. Stage three is the chronic stage of alcoholism.

Consequences

Symptoms from alcohol abuse can range from mild to life threatening if not treated properly in a detox facility. Symptoms include the shakes, sweats, nausea, headaches, increased blood pressure, as well as a rapid heart beat.  More serious detox symptoms include hallucinations and seizures. These occur between 6 and 48 hours after taking the last drink. The hallucinations are usually visual but can feature sounds and smells as well. Seizures and convulsions are common as well and can be dangerous if not medically treated.

DT’S

One of the most serious side effects of alcohol abuse is called DT, which is short for delirium tremens. Only people with serious addictions to alcohol will experience DT. This usually happens to alcoholics once they stop drinking. Their bodies are so used to getting alcohol that it experiences physical pain when it does not get it. This is one reason why it is so difficult for alcoholics to quit drinking on their own. Also, this is another reason why it is important for anyone who experiences these feelings to undergo a medical detox to get over their alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction is a very serious health problem that affects many Americans each and every year. It is almost impossible for a person with an alcohol addiction to quit drinking on their own. That is why it is so vital for people with an alcohol problem to seek immediate medical intervention. If they do not, they could wind up in jail or in prison. If a person has a severe enough addiction to alcohol the will experience painful withdrawal symptoms when they do not drink. For these people, a medical detox is required. Detox symptoms can be very painful and should be monitored by a medical professional that can administer medicine.

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