If you drink alcohol heavily for weeks, months, or years, you’re likely to experience both mental and physical symptoms, known as withdrawals, when you cut back or suddenly stop drinking. These symptoms are the result of alcohol withdrawal, a condition that commonly marks a developing or severe alcohol abuse problem. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even be fatal in some cases. Our alcohol detox center in Sebring, FL, offers withdrawal treatment to help individuals safely recover from alcoholism.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol has a depressive effect on the body, specifically by targeting a chemical called GABA. This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity, leading to symptoms like relaxation and sedation. For this reason, individuals who drink high quantities of alcohol are likely to experience impaired judgment and severe sedation, and drowsiness.
When alcohol is abused long-term, the central nervous system becomes accustomed to the substance’s effects. The body also works hard to counteract the substance’s depressive effects and keep the brain in a more awake state. When alcohol levels drop, and the individual suddenly stops drinking, the brain remains in this state of high activity, resulting in withdrawals.
Symptoms of withdrawal can range from mild to severe. Alcohol withdrawal seizures are among the most dangerous symptoms, leading to permanent damage or death in cases where medical detox treatment is not received. Below is a timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
6 hours after the person’s last drink: Mild symptoms can begin as early as six hours after the person’s last drink. These may include:
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Shaky hands
- Sweating
- Vomiting
12 to 48 hours after the person’s last drink: More serious symptoms, including hallucinations, usually occur 12 hours to two days after the person’s last drink. Seizures may also occur within the first two days of alcohol withdrawal.
48 to 72 hours after the person’s last drink: Delirium tremens (DTs) usually begin in this stage of alcohol withdrawal. This condition includes severe seizures from alcohol withdrawal as well as hallucinations and delusions. While these symptoms are rare, they can be life-threatening without treatment.
Other symptoms that may occur in this stage of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Confusion
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
The best alcohol detox program is one that offers 24-hour care and medical assistance to patients to ensure their health and safety. Our Sebring, FL drug rehab offers medically assisted detox for alcohol and other substances that can help you or someone you care about take that first step towards long-term sobriety.
Our Safe Alcohol Detox Center
Especially for individuals with severe alcohol use disorders, detoxing from alcohol at home isn’t usually the safest nor the most effective option. As an inpatient Highlands County drug rehab, we encourage patients with severe addictions to receive residential detox and care to prevent exposure to relapse-causing distractions and temptations.
Our alcohol detox center allows patients to remain at the facility while they receive treatment to separate them from distractions like discouraging family members or tempting drinking buddies. We can also keep clients accountable and safe as they go through cravings for alcohol, which may otherwise cause them to relapse.
Detox is the first step in the recovery process as well as an important one that paves the way for a successful recovery. For more information about our alcohol detox or other forms of Sebring drug treatment, contact Banyan Treatment Centers today.
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