Struggling with an alcohol addiction issue can feel incredibly challenging, but there are solutions to get you back to full health. When you stop drinking alcohol, you’ll go into withdrawal. By understanding the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms in advance, clients will be better prepared. Take a closer look at the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, what to expect, and what comes next after detox. Don’t detox alone. Get professional help from Soledad House’s alcohol addiction treatment in California.
Initial Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person who is addicted to alcohol stops drinking, they will go into a period of withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can appear within a matter of hours once a person is truly dependent on alcohol. Fortunately, the initial withdrawal symptoms tend to be mild. They include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, shaky hands, sweating, and an inability to sleep.
Just six to nine hours after having alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can appear. Most clients are already familiar with these mild symptoms. That’s because they can appear after a long night of sleep or even a shift at work without drinking.
Reaching the Peak of Alcohol Withdrawal
The initial symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will only worsen with time. After about 24 hours, most clients in an alcohol detox program will experience full withdrawal. Symptoms will increase in intensity until 72 hours into the detox process.
For many clients, the peak of withdrawal is the most challenging part of detox. This is also the time when it is most important to have medical support. If individuals are going through withdrawal on their own or at home, they are at an increased risk for relapse as well as for health issues that stem from detox.
The good news is that after withdrawal symptoms peak, clients begin to feel better. Withdrawal symptoms will slowly taper off until they disappear completely. Although the exact length of withdrawal is different for everyone, many individuals are through withdrawal in about one week.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Sadly, many of the men and women who need treatment for alcoholism are worried about the intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While it is normal to be concerned, most symptoms are similar to having a bad case of the flu. Alcohol withdrawal isn’t pleasant, but it is safe when you are in a medically supervised detox environment.
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Dehydration is common for many clients. Symptoms can also involve anxiety, depression or insomnia. Many individuals also experience changes in heart rate or body temperature.
Rare and Risky Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
In rare cases, there is the potential for clients to experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These can range from unpleasant and uncomfortable to life-threatening. Some clients, for example, can experience seizures during the withdrawal process. Others may experience hallucinations or cardiac problems.
These risky symptoms are why no one should complete an alcohol detox on their own. It’s incredibly important to have 24/7 medical support throughout the process. Through experience, supervision, prescription care and a wide range of additional resources, professionals can ensure that clients stay healthy and safe throughout recovery.
What to Expect After Alcohol Withdrawal is Complete
Alcohol withdrawal is a vital part of overcoming alcoholism. However, it is just the first step toward recovery. It takes ongoing treatment and commitment to achieve and maintain a lifetime of sobriety. At Soledad House, women can overcome alcoholism thanks to all of the following:
- Exercise therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Women’s sober living program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Individual talk therapy
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms aren’t pleasant, but the right support can make them manageable. At Soledad House in San Diego, California, you can have ongoing care and help as you begin your journey to lifelong sobriety. Achieve the health and happiness you deserve, and call 866.314.3222 to get started.
