Addiction is a serious issue that impacts people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is a disease that does not know the difference. One of the most common addictions is alcoholism. Those who suffer from this addiction will do almost anything to get their hands on alcohol. They can destroy relationships with family members, friends, and damage their professional careers beyond repair.
Fortunately, many people who live with alcoholism have people who love, support and care about them. Therefore, they might end up trying to stop drinking. When someone has been using alcohol in excess are in danger of suffering something called alcohol withdrawal syndrome. When someone goes into withdrawal from alcohol, the symptoms can be severe. It is important for everyone to know what it looks like when someone is in alcohol withdrawal.
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
The impacts of alcohol withdrawal will primarily impact the central nervous system. The severity of alcohol withdrawal can vary from relatively mild to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Typically, alcohol withdrawal will follow a set progression. Depending on how long and how severe someone’s alcohol abuse has been, the symptoms are going to set in between six and 24 hours from the most recent alcoholic beverage. Once alcohol withdrawal, it can last for up to a week. In order for someone to be diagnosed with alcohol withdrawal, they need to have several of the following symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- The development of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions (they can be auditory, visual, or tactile)
- The development of emotional lability and agitation
- Anxiety
- The development of seizures (typically tonic-clonic in nature)
- Autonomic instability, such as changes in temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure
In some cases, these symptoms can be quite severe. The severity of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will depend on a number of factors. Some of the most important factors that will dictate how severe someone’s alcohol withdrawal is will include how long someone has been using alcohol, the amount of alcohol someone has been consuming, and someone’s past medical history. There are multiple types of alcohol withdrawal that everyone should know.
The Various Types of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
If someone has developed alcohol withdrawal syndrome, this can be classified in a variety of ways. Labeling the medical picture is important for making sure that someone gets the help that he or she deserves. Some of the types of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:
- Alcohol Hallucinosis: This is a type of alcohol withdrawal where someone has hallucinations (either visual, auditory, or tactile) but is otherwise medically intact
- Withdrawal Seizures: This is a type of alcohol withdrawal where someone develops seizures within two days of the most recent drink. These seizures can either come in isolated events or be grouped together.
- Delirium Tremens: Also known as the DTs, this type of alcohol withdrawal is particularly severe. Anyone experiencing this form of alcohol withdrawal needs urgent medical attention. In addition to the various hallucinations, people with the DTs are very confused, shaking, and can lose consciousness.
Clearly, alcohol withdrawal can be particularly serious. It is important for everyone to know how alcohol withdrawal will progress.
The Progression of Alcohol Withdrawal
If someone has entered a state of alcohol withdrawal, it is important to know how the symptoms are going to progress. Even the most serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can develop within only a few hours after the most recent drink. A few hours later, the most common symptoms that will show up include shaking, sweating, anxiety, headaches, and vomiting. Finally, once people have gone a day without a drink, the worst symptoms are going to become more common. This might include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and more. Seizures start to set in shortly after this time.
After a few days have gone by the symptoms will start to fade. Most people will get better. Those who have developed DTs need to remain with trained medical professionals because the symptoms may continue to worsen. For this reason, anyone who is going through alcohol withdrawal needs to make sure they have the necessary help. This is where trained professionals are essential for withdrawals.
Trust the Professionals with Laguna View Detox
Withdrawals are a serious concern following alcohol abuse and anyone who suffers from alcoholism needs to make sure they rely on the professionals when it comes to addiction treatment. At Laguna View Detox, we take a tremendous amount of pride in the services we provide to those in need. Our professionals have worked hard to make sure they offer the latest treatment methods to everyone who comes to see us. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us today! We look forward to meeting you.