Withdrawing from alcohol can be difficult, painful, and dangerous to go through on your own without help and support. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can sometimes be severe enough they become serious and life-threatening. If you are suffering from alcohol dependence or addiction, alcohol detox treatment is available in Tucson to help you experience a safer, more comfortable recovery.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the term used to describe a set of symptoms you may experience if you drink heavily on a regular basis and abruptly stop drinking alcohol. These symptoms may begin as early as eight hours after your last drink and will continue for weeks as your body recovers from the effects of alcohol dependence.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
- Excessive sweating
- Shaking and tremors
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Brain fog
- Rapid heart rate
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
What are the Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal?
People who have been drinking heavily for an extended period of time may suffer a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens. This serious, life-threatening condition involves sudden and severe changes to your brain and central nervous system and is considered a medical emergency.
Delirium tremens is characterized by symptoms including:
- Delirium, or severe confusion
- Body tremors
- Deep sleep that lasts for at least one day
- Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
- Restlessness and bursts of energy
- Sudden changes in mood and mental function
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Fear or excitement
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Symptoms of delirium tremens can set in anywhere between 48 hours or 10 days after the last drink and can worsen very quickly. Alcohol detox can help minimize your risk for delirium tremens and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Why Alcohol Detox is Important
Alcohol and drug detox allows you to safely withdraw from these substances while being surrounded by trained medical staff who monitor your vitals and treat complications as they arise. Many alcohol detox centers use medications to help reduce and relieve your symptoms. On average, alcohol withdrawal symptoms last between two and 10 days.
Alcohol detox is the first stage of addiction treatment and helps you recover from alcohol abuse and dependence. Following detox, you can begin therapy in an addiction treatment program at an alcohol or drug rehab center. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are just some evidence-based therapies offered at alcohol rehab that can help you experience long-term abstinence and sobriety.
Detox Services Available at Addiction Recovery Centers
Medical detox services can be utilized to reduce your risk for complications commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol detox can help you achieve improved physical and mental health and eliminate physical cravings for alcohol. Medications that reduce alcohol cravings and that cause adverse reactions to alcohol may also be used to help you stay abstinent throughout your recovery.
In addition to alcohol detox, Addiction Recovery Centers offers nutritional services to help boost your immunity and replenish nutrients your body may have lost throughout your struggle with alcohol dependence. During detox, you’ll be provided with daily gourmet meals that increase your energy levels and help you feel better and stronger both physically and mentally.
If you or a loved one is dependent on alcohol, don’t try withdrawing on your own without professional help. Addiction Recovery Centers has a luxurious, upscale facility in Phoenix that can help you experience a safe, long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder. Call us today at 855-910-5918 to begin the treatment process.