What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), refers to a problematic pattern of alcohol consumption that leads to impairment or distress. Alcoholism can range from mild to severe based on the number of symptoms a person exhibits. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, loss of control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, and continued alcohol use despite any problems that it may bring.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?
When someone stops drinking alcohol after prolonged use, their body reacts to its absence. This process, known as alcohol withdrawal, leads to both physical and emotional symptoms, which is why it is important to detox in a monitored setting.
- Mild symptoms may include anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irritability, sweating, nausea, and mild to moderate tremors.
- Severe symptoms are more common among heavy drinkers and may include enlarged pupils, chills, fatigue, vomiting, fever, hallucinations, disorientation, seizures, and even delirium tremens, which can be fatal.
At Pacific Breeze Recovery we have an Addictionologist waiting for you to help manage all your symptoms with medications to make you comfortable during the detox process.
Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal
Painting the picture of week one:
Symptoms can begin within a few hours or a few days after stopping alcohol consumption. You may experience mild symptoms such as sweating, nausea, headache, and anxiety within the first 24 hours.
After 24 hours your symptoms may worsen. You may become disoriented, experience delusions, have delirium tremens (shakiness), and the risk of seizures also increases after the first 24 hours.
On the second day, symptoms tend to become more painful, severe, and intense. You may begin to experience high anxiety, develop anger and irritability, increase tremors (shakiness), and develop hallucinations.
On the third and fourth days your symptoms may lessen, however, some may develop worse symptoms. During the next few days, the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms tends to start resolving. The importance of monitoring someone during these first few days is the person is at risk for delirium tremens, which may include uncontrolled shaking, sweating, seizures, irregular heartbeats, psychosis, confusion, and nutritional deficiencies, especially Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (alcohol-related B1 deficiency).
In the fifth through seventh days, withdrawal symptoms fade and are manageable. While it is still necessary to be closely monitored, your symptoms tend to be more tolerable.
The next 2-4 weeks:
By the end of week one, the next few weeks your withdrawal symptoms will subside. There may be a few minor symptoms you may experience like insomnia and nausea however they will decrease and be less intensive.
Your overall withdrawal symptoms will be at a more tolerable state and your road to recovery will be more manageable. Our clinical staff will continue to help you navigate through any mental behaviors, as well, as to keep you on a successful journey in recovery with a much clearer mind.
Your Road to Recovery and Alcohol Free
Now that the first few weeks are behind you, most withdrawal symptoms will be no longer, but some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can occur after the initial withdrawal stage. This typically may involve physical discomfort, increased heart rate, headaches, and nausea. However, it primarily targets the psychological and emotional state of mind.
It is very important to have communication with a medical professional throughout your first year of recovery to help you through all your symptoms and maintain your sobriety in a safe and healthy manner.
Medically Managed Alcohol Detox Medications and Treatments at Pacific Breeze Recovery
Our Addictionologists will manage your withdrawal symptoms with prescribed medications that are safe and help you to become more comfortable.
Some common medications used for Alcohol Detox may include:
- Benzodiazepines – alleviates alcohol withdrawals and anxiety
- Naltrexone – to help reduce alcohol cravings
- Anti-convulsant – prevention of seizures
It is our priority at Pacific Breeze Recovery that for every individual going through alcohol detox, medications are directed to help the function of the brain and nervous system. This is to help prevent any further serious health issues.
Throughout your stay at our residential treatment facility, there are other various ways that also help aim you towards recovery. These include support groups, meditations, reintegration groups, therapy sessions, self-care, nutritional factors, and education.
At Pacific Breeze Recovery we stand behind Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps.
AA and the 12 Steps have helped countless lives all over the world to overcome alcohol addiction and find a new healthy way of living. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately one-third of individuals who have been treated for alcohol use disorder are able to recover and maintain long-term sobriety.
Please call us right away and let’s start your recovery today.
Our compassionate staff is waiting to help you and provide you with all the tools necessary to release you from the bonds of addiction. Our team of professionals is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you through alcohol detox, medications, counseling, and treatments and provide you with all the support necessary. Our luxurious treatment center will also provide you with a feeling of peace and serenity upon entering the door. Do not wait any longer. Call us now! You are worth it!
