Around 85% of people over the age of 18 have consumed alcohol at least once before. Alcohol can quickly become a serious problem if a person happens to become addicted to it. The disease of addiction is hard to fight but alcohol withdrawal symptoms can also be a pain to go through.
But what can you expect from alcohol withdrawal? Is there a way to make the process go more smoothly? If you are addicted to alcohol, is it always necessary to go through withdrawal symptoms?
Keep reading and learn more about it below and why alcohol addiction is such a serious problem.
What You Need to Know About Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can be a tricky thing to deal with because it can happen without you even realizing it. More than that, once this addiction sets in, it can be hard to get rid of. Keep in mind that not everyone who drinks alcohol gets addicted to it.
Obviously, there are many people who can have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner and stop there. However, there are some people who drink alcohol and then develop a craving for it which eventually turns into an addiction. It is not well understood why some people may become addicted while others do not.
It is believed that genetic factors have something to do with it. For example, if your parents or grandparents were ever addicted to alcohol, there is a good chance that you may also become addicted. Whatever the case, once an alcohol problem comes into play, a variety of issues can arise.
Alcohol addictions tend to start slowly and, over time, can take over a person’s life. A drinking problem can make a person behave foolishly or it can make a person aggressive and even violent. This, of course, can ruin a person’s relationship with his or her loved ones.
Besides, that, an addiction like this can also ruin a person’s career if the individual is not able to get to work on time or do the work that he or she is supposed to do for the day. This is not to mention that alcohol addiction can seriously ravage the body.
Liver disease is one of the main consequences that alcoholics tend to face. This is because the liver is the main organ that processes alcohol in the body.
The Details
Drinking alcohol once in a while and in moderation won’t do much harm to the liver.
However, when a person drinks alcohol all the time, especially hard liquor, the liver will not be able to handle these high amounts of alcohol. Over time, the cells in the liver will start to weaken and the liver will become fatty which will make it inefficient at its job which is to filter alcohol out of the blood. If the alcohol problem progresses, cells in the liver can actually start to die off, creating scar tissue.
This is known as cirrhosis of the liver. Once scar tissue begins to form, it will be impossible for the liver to heal or to function in a healthy way. Instead, its function will decline at a steady rate as fewer and fewer functional liver cells become available.
At a certain point, the liver will hardly be able to filter the blood anymore. As a result, alcohol and other toxins will start to build up in the body. This, of course, can cause a variety of health issues such as heart problems, swelling, pain, trouble breathing, and more.
If this continues, the toxins in the body can eventually build up to such an extent that death will occur. This is why it is important to stop alcoholism early before it can get to such a serious point. But what should you know about treating alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms?
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
Treating alcohol addiction can be hard for a variety of reasons. For one, the alcoholic may not even realize that they have a problem, so they may not try to seek help or they may not even accept help. Sometimes, an intervention is even in order.
Whatever the case, it is important to get to the root of the problem if you want to stop the addiction. People usually abuse alcohol to escape something. For example, if a person suffers from depression, that person may indulge in excessive amounts of alcohol to escape that feeling.
Of course, alcohol is not the answer or the fix to this problem and, most likely, it will make the underlying problem worse. It will just numb the person for the time being or make them momentarily forget about their problems. Another reason why a person may abuse alcohol is to escape past trauma.
In any case, therapy can help. Therapy will allow the person to get to the root of their problems. Once they better understand their problems and why they use alcohol as a crutch, they will have more power to get past their addiction.
What You Need to Know
A detox center can also be a very helpful route of treatment. A detox or rehab center has all the resources a person would need to power through their addiction. Such a center usually has licensed therapists on hand to help the person through their addiction and help them understand why they are addicted to alcohol in the first place.
Besides that, these centers can also help addicts get through their withdrawals. This is important because the withdrawals are often so unpleasant that they can spur a person to go back to their addictive behaviors. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can even be dangerous.
This is especially true for those who have been consuming large quantities of alcohol for many years. Quitting such a severe addiction can be very difficult, but with the right help and support, anything is possible. After the withdrawal symptoms, the person’s head will be much clearer and their body will be in a much healthier state.
This will give them the foundation to stay sober. But what exactly is the withdrawal process like?
All About Alcohol Withdrawal
Going through withdrawals is arguably one of the hardest parts of the entire recovery process. Withdrawal symptoms occur when an alcoholic stops drinking. They occur because the body is not used to functioning without the presence of alcohol.
As a result, the body will start to revolt against itself because it craves alcohol so much. Because the body and brain crave alcohol to such a severe extent, this will manifest various symptoms which are usually very unpleasant. The exact symptoms will vary from person to person, but some symptoms are more or less the same for everyone.
For example, a very common withdrawal symptom is nausea. This may be accompanied by vomiting or abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The person may also have very little to no appetite.
This, of course, can render the person very weak and dangerously dehydrated. This is why it is important for a person to go through withdrawals in the safety of a rehab center where trained staff are on hand to help. Other symptoms include anxiety, sweating, and changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia.
What to Know
A person may start to shake even if they don’t feel cold. All of these symptoms are characteristic of the human body trying to get rid of the remaining traces of alcohol and trying to adjust to there not being any alcohol left in the body.
This process tends to be harder for those who have been addicted to alcohol for years rather than just a few months.
In some cases, an alcoholic may experience acute withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and hallucinations, but fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often. If it does happen, it will occur during the first 48 hours of withdrawal. For up to 72 hours, the individual may develop a fever or feel like they have the flu.
After 72 hours, the severity of the withdrawal symptoms will start to decrease. After about a week, the person will start to feel much better and they may be well enough to start considering therapy and other treatment options.
Recovering From Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can be hard to kick, especially since the alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe. Some people may experience nausea and vomiting while others may experience chills, insomnia, and even seizures or hallucinations. But after the withdrawals, a rehab center can help that person get back on their feet.
To learn more about recovery, click here.
55 comments
Withdrawal is a hard process for the alcoholic he can’t withstand the dry throat asking him for more
The alcoholic healings is divine
To get rid of from alcohol addiction is hard but you have chance to clean from addiction,and it’s really possible
I have seen this dance so many times as alcohol here is dominant in my area. hell a few of my friends died from it. That being said, It is nice that its effects are more known now. It may not stop it but at least it can give someone awareness.
Alcohol addiction is real but sometimes it becomes very worrisome. but it good for an addict to visit a rehab for help
Alcohol don’t need to be taken excessively to avoid problems. i think support or help should be sort with addiction
This blog is great for anyone struggling with addiction. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this detox. It well educational and it well detailed. So glad I came across this article. Kudos team.
This is a good treatment for people that are suffering from alcohol addiction. Thanks for the good job detox.
Detox, you have really done a thorough work on alcohol withdrawal treatment. Thanks for sharingthis educative piece.
I must say that detox to rehab is the best. The way they help people with addiction is exceptional. Thank you for sharing this educative post.
Thanks for sharing this educative post on the various ways of treating someone addiction to alcohol. You are really the best in what you do.
This is really educative and information. I really do I have something to spread out to the word.
It’s a Great thing to come across wonderful Article like this.
Thanks Detox!
Recovering from withdrawal symptoms could be a really tough challenge. This is because your brain tends to change and it has to adapt to the new changes that are being taken place inside of you. This is why many people experience such kind of withdrawal symptoms, as the system of neurotransmitters change.
Liver disease is one of the main consequences that alcoholics tend to face. Detox is doing a Great work by informing everyone.
I pity those who take alcohol heavily. What they don’t know is that they are killing their liver gradually. I agree with the fact that treating alcohol addiction is hard. I believe that getting to the root of the problem is the first step in the treatment of alcohol addiction. This article is so apt
With determination, everything that hinders you from pursuing your purpose will seem simple. Making the right choice to join a group or center for help will be excellent.
Due to the fact that alcohol addiction can develop without your knowledge, it can be difficult to treat. Plus, once this addiction takes hold, it can be challenging to overcome. Remember that not everyone who consumes alcohol develops an addiction to it.
Alcohol addiction can be a hard habit to kick but with the right support system it is very much possible. Thanks for outlining the options available for addicts.
Thanks for the in-depth analysis of alcohol withdrawal. Another challenge with alcohol addiction, is that it can trigger other substance use. Having a treatment team and support network is fundamental in recovery.
The 12 step program has helped thousands of addict to recover. I recommend everyday to anyone looking to recover.
The problem with most alcohol addicts is that they don’t realize they have a drinking problem. Acceptance is the first step.
I had an uncle who succumbed to liver cirrhosis because of his drinking. I swore from that day never to touch alcohol again.
I am surprised to learn that genetics actually have a role to play in whether one becomes addicted or not. That’s news to me!
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be a nightmare to deal with. With the right will and mindset anyone can overcome it though.
Therapy is integral in helping an alcohol addict get the root cause of his drinking problem. I highly recommend it.
A detox or rehab center remains one of the best ways to recover from alcohol addiction. However it can only work if the addict is willing to change.
I now understand why alcohol addiction is such a serious problem. The effects it can have on the human body are deadly.
The key is usually to get treatment early. Later on it may be too late.
I agree with you that with the right support system anyone can kick their alcohol addiction. That’s why it’s always good to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you.
People usually abuse alcohol as an escape from something. Little do they know that the escape is only temporary
The best part about this is that there is light at the end of the tunnel for any addict in the name of recovery. You are doing a great job by always promoting recovery through your posts.
I do drink but only in moderation and very rarely. I sure hope that is acceptable.
Some people fall into alcohol addiction without knowing it. One just has to be watchful of oneself.
This is a great article. The treatment are so unique and easy to follow.
Thanks Detox for always enlightening us… Have learnt so much within a few month of following your diverse articles.
Now I know what to look out for in several cases.
Alcohol addiction is very dangerous, more so because people who do develop it are unaware of that fact until it’s too late. It really is one of those major problems that people would only realize it when has come to a point after it has already destroyed the majority of their lives, with the hope from recovery both from the addiction and its consequences (such as liver cirrhosis) dwindling very rapidly with respect to how a much needed professional intervention would have already taken place, especially if it was already during the later stages. People should really pace themselves and be cautious, and always drink responsibly as to avoid this tragedy.
Alcohol withdrawal isn’t easy but it is a life-given decision to the addicted. Thanks for this wonderful submission.
Alcohol withdrawal isn’t easy but it is a life-given decision to the addicted. Thanks for this wonderful write up..
These are indeed helpful in the sense that if every alcohol addicted person can take to it. Detox to rehab is really doing well.
These options are the best for the addicts. Detox to rehab has left any stone unturned as regards the rehabilitation of the addicts.
alcoholism is one the most easiest addiction that can be treated, but it takes longer time for it to be effective. People that is addicted to alcohol often times suffer from withdrawal symptoms that is hard to manage.
Many people were ruined because of their addiction to alcohol. You have done a great job by writing this article. This will help many people.
You have done a great job by giving this information. This will help people. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Alcohol withdrawal is not a very easy process as it takes your hard determination to leave something which is highly addictive.
Who knew that going through withdrawal treatments can be this much of a fight. I have heard of the effects but never read them through thanks for the very informative article. Now am well informed to steer away from alcohol as the withdrawal is really tiring.
Alcohol withdrawal is very crucial for drug addicts. However, seeking treatment goes a long way for a sound health.
This really helped me a lot. I’ll now be able to advise my friends who are finding it hard to quite alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In view of the above, it is necessary for drug addicts to seek treatment urgently.
It is understandable what you’ve said around alcohol withdrawal and also for about 85% of persons going through alcohol intake. I take alcohol even up to now, but I don’t get addicted to it, that’s am area one should avoid in order to stay clean.
Thanks for this very educative article. In the matter of alcohol the old saying “Prevention is better than cure” is very true. With this array of painful withdrawal symptoms, it’s good not to be a victim of alcoholism.
This article is very helpful and full of insights. I will never look upon alcohol addiction like never before.
Alcohol withdrawal may be very hard for addicts to go through but it always the best option. It will save many addicts from the shame that alcohol addiction brings to them and their loved ones.
Alcohol addiction can be quiet tricky because most people who are addicted don’t even know that they are addicts. Knowing the signs of alcohol addiction can be very handy in dealing with people who are suffering from it. Thanks for this informative article.
Thank you for recommending therapy and a detox center as a way to recover from alcohol withdrawal. I think both are very effective indeed.