When you or your loved one stops drinking after a long bout of binge drinking or after excessive alcohol consumption, it could be helpful to learn what might occur. This guide provides a basic explanation of the experiences of alcohol withdrawal and ways of getting help without endangering yourself.
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What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that occurs when someone who drinks excessively reduces or stops their intake. The brain and the body will adjust to alcohol, and quitting heavy drinking may result in you feeling nauseous.
Why Alcohol Withdrawal Happens
Alcohol slows down the brain. It increases a calming chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This is something that your body works harder to balance out over time. Once you quit drinking, your brain remains in overdrive, and this is what brings on withdrawal symptoms.
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Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
People feel many different things when they stop drinking different amounts of alcohol. Some symptoms are mild, while others can be serious.
Detox Alcohol Symptoms
Mild Symptoms Include:
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Shaky hands
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating a lot
- Fast heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Feeling cranky or upset
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired or weak
Severe Symptoms:
For some people, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. This is called alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (hallucinations)
- Seizures
- Confusion
- High fever
- Fast heartbeat
- Very high blood pressure
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty breathing
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineAlcohol Withdrawal Seizures
It takes 6 to 48 hours after an individual stops drinking to experience seizures. It is a health emergency and requires the urgent assistance of the physicians.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Knowing when symptoms appear helps you prepare.
Typical Timeline:
- 6–12 Hours: Feeling anxious, headaches, upset stomach, shaking
- 12–24 Hours: Hallucinations and seizures may start
- 24–72 Hours: Symptoms get worse and can include confusion
- After 72 Hours: The symptoms begin to settle down, and this could take several days
Why It Can Be Life-Threatening
Dangerous symptoms are not present for everyone, but some individuals end up very sick. High blood pressure, fast heartbeat, seizures, and confusion may be hazardous. Some cases are a medical emergency that require hospitalization.
Mental Health and Alcohol Withdrawal
It not only impacts the body when a person quits drinking. But also their feelings and mood may change too.
Mental Health Symptoms Include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling nervous or scared
- Mood swings
- Thinking about hurting yourself
Both body and mind need care during withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal and the Central Nervous System
Alcohol changes how the brain works. The brain gets too active when alcohol is taken away abruptly. This causes many withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol influences the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which quiets brain activity. Without alcohol, there is too much brain activity.
How Much Alcohol Triggers Withdrawal?
Even those drinks that are moderate to large in quantity can lead to withdrawal after you quit. The more you drink, the higher your risk of developing a problem. Individuals who have long-term alcohol dependency also have a higher possibility of developing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal
Trying to detox at home can be unsafe. A medical detox is the safest way. Alcohol addiction and dependency are widespread issues, and there is no shame in asking for help.
What Happens During Medical Detox?
- Doctors check your health and medical history
- 24-hour care from medical professionals
- Medicine to ease withdrawal symptoms
- Checking heart rate and blood pressure
- Treating seizures if needed
- Watching for signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
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Treatment Programs After Detox
After detox, treatment helps keep you healthy and sober.
- Inpatient Rehab: Stay full-time at a treatment center
- Outpatient Programs: Visit for care but live at home or in sober living
- Therapy: Help for both addiction and mental health
- Support Groups: Meet others going through the same thing and help each other
In treatment programs, patients have a safe environment in which to heal and establish new habits.
How to Detox from Alcohol Safely
- Always detox with medical help
- Never attempt a detoxification for yourself if you are a heavy drinker
- Have support from loved ones and experts
In medical detox, the chances of life-threatening results from conditions such as seizures and alcohol withdrawal syndrome are highly minimized.
Primary Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
When you want to ask yourself what the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are, the following are the most evident ones:
- Shaky hands
- Feeling anxious
- Upset stomach
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- High blood pressure
Side Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
The effects associated with the withdrawal of alcohol range from mild to severe, including life-threatening issues. The latter may consist of increased pulse, hypertension, and mental conditions. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary for each person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where can you receive treatment of the effect of alcohol withdrawal in Spokane Valley, Washington?
We Level Up WA is the provider of safe detoxification and addiction support in Spokane Valley. We offer medical help and treatment programs.
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In Liberty Lake, WA where to get treated on effects of alcohol withdrawal?
We Level Up Washington in Liberty Lake, WA provides alcohol withdrawal treatment in detox and caring professionals.
Recognizing Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is severe. If someone has these symptoms, get help fast:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Very high blood pressure
- Intense shaking
- Trouble breathing
If needed, call 911 right away. Don’t wait to see if someone shows even more dangerous signs.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol withdrawals are frightening, but with proper assistance, they improve. Since mild detox alcohol symptoms, such as headaches and anxiety, can progress to severe problems, such as seizures, having professional care can make a significant difference.
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