Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are common in heavy drinkers who stop drinking "cold turkey", and alcohol withdrawal can have uncomfortable to severe mental and physical effects on the body. People who try to stop drinking on their own will usually experience a number of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. The severity of these symptoms is determined by how chemically dependent a person has become on alcohol. Both people that drink heavily on a periodic basis and on a daily basis can be at risk for developing addiction to alcohol, and when they quit may experience alcohol withdrawal.

Alcoholic or problem drinkers often fool themselves into thinking they do not have a problem through the use of denial, a psychological mechanism used to ignore an issue, however when they try to stop drinking without help, they find it impossible. Alcohol withdrawals take place because the body and mind have become accustomed to the use of alcohol and the brain's natural chemistry has been disrupted. While alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not usually permanent, it does take time for the body and brain to readjust to life without this substance.

As the body begins the detox process from alcohol, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are coupled with intense physical cravings for alcohol. For this reason, most problem drinkers trying to quit drinking use the help of medical professionals to make the process easier on them, both physically and emotionally. Aside from the fact that alcohol withdrawal is painful, the drinker must also fight the thoughts telling him/her that the body needs alcohol to survive.

With a proper alcohol detox and supervision, a problem drinker finds it easier to commit to not drinking and sticks out the uncomfortable feelings associated with alcohol withdrawal. Long-term drinkers and people who have been struggling with alcohol over and over, may have a harder time coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms because the undergo visual hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs) and the shakes (uncontrollable body movement). People who go through this often feel as though they are going crazy and are unable to make it through the detox process.

Alcohol withdrawal is a painful but necessary process and can be helped by the use of rehabilitation, medical or treatment center. At these locations professionals will be able to assist clients in learning to live without alcohol. Vitamins, proper diet and light physical activity will also make the pains of alcohol withdrawal more manageable. You do not have to do it alone; help is often necessary for this type of problem.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the negative consequences of alcohol abuse or alcoholism, help is available to get you through alcohol withdrawal and detox. At Treatment Referral, we specialize in providing referrals for the treatment of substance abuse problems. We refer to comprehensive treatment programs which include a medical detox program to help with alcohol withdrawal along with counseling, support groups and relaxing, sober activities. Please contact us with questions or concerns;
we are here to help. 800.399.3612