Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Many who drink a lot experience withdrawal symptoms when they cut back or completely stop drinking. The symptoms vary from mild to severe and could include tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and even seizures or Delirium in tremens.
For those with moderate to severe symptoms, a medically supervised detoxification is advised. This helps ensure that symptoms don't escalate into seizures, high fevers or DTs.
1. Headaches
Heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer migraines and headaches. The severity of these symptoms may vary based on the length and severity of alcohol addiction, other health factors, co-occurring mental disorders, and detox medication used during detox.
Alcohol withdrawal headaches usually begin within six hours after the last drink. The initial phase may last for a few days and symptoms peaking around 48 hours after quitting drinking.
At New Horizon, our staff will assist you to manage these withdrawal symptoms, which includes counseling on the intake of fluids and nutrition. The more hydrated you are during this time and the less likely you'll experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
As you go through the withdrawal process, your brain will begin to return to normal neurochemical production. This can take up to a week or more. It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms when you return to your old habits or increase your chance of re-drinks. It's also possible for withdrawal symptoms to return after you've adjusted to sobriety, in which case they are known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These withdrawal symptoms can last up to a year, contingent on the severity of your alcohol dependence. These symptoms can include anxiety, sleep issues, and delayed reactions. It can be difficult to manage however the benefits are far greater than these negative effects.
2. Nausea
Based on the degree of dependency on alcohol and the long you've been drinking heavily, you may feel different levels of nausea and vomiting during detox. Alcohol can have a significant impact on the stomach. When it is withdrawn and your body is experiencing withdrawal symptoms which affect the entire digestive tract. It is often associated with diarrhea, which can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if you're dehydrated.
When you stop drinking your brain produces less GABA and more glutamate in order for a way to compensate. This can result in an imbalance in neurotransmitters, which can cause you to feel anxious and jittery. It can also cause shaking, particularly in your hands, and can cause you to desire alcohol. These are all symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome which is a medical emergency that needs to be treated under medical supervision in a hospital setting.
Alcohol detox can be a difficult and risky process, but it is the first step in recovering from addiction to alcohol. Contact New Horizon to speak to an addiction counselor to determine whether your nausea or vomiting is a result of alcohol consumption or if it might be due to an illness.
In the first 24 hours following alcohol withdrawal nausea and vomiting are common. In this time it is advised to avoid eating the consumption of greasy and fatty foods and stick to the BRAT (bananas with rice, applesauce and toast) diet. If your nausea is extreme you should drink electrolytes or water to hydrate. If necessary, you can also take anti-nausea medication such as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate.
3. Vomiting
Alcohol can cause digestive issues that can manifest as nausea and vomiting. This can occur when your body adjusts to not drinking alcohol and detoxifies. It could last for a while and could need to be controlled with medications. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and keep your blood sugar levels in check so you do not experience dehydration, which can cause symptoms to become worse.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can also include hallucinations and seizures. These usually start between 12 and 24 hours after your last drink and can make you see, hear or feel things that aren't there. Seizures can be an indication of severe alcohol withdrawal and could be life-threatening if not treated with medical intervention.
You will likely need to be monitored closely by a doctor during alcohol detox and withdrawal. They will be looking for signs of fever, fast heart rate and dehydration to evaluate the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. They may prescribe medication to ease your symptoms and prevent seizure should they be required.
detox alcohol home will create a space that is safe and comfortable for you to lower the chance of having seizures or other life-threatening signs. They will also assist you to understand how to manage your withdrawal symptoms and provide you with ways to prevent relapse. Treatment and detoxification of alcohol removes the presence of alcohol from your body, allowing your brain's chemistry back to normal.
4. Diarrhea
When you are addicted to alcohol, the body's digestive system may be disrupted and the intestines can be affected by a myriad of causes that can cause diarrhoea. This is a symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It happens when people stop drinking alcohol or drastically reduce their consumption. Other withdrawal symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
Based on the severity of a person's condition, diarrhoea can last a few days or even weeks after abstaining from alcohol. Drinking plenty of water or eating plenty of fibre may help to ease the symptoms, as it will reduce the amount of liquid that is in the colon.
Alcohol causes the stomach to produce more acid to aid digestion, which can also cause irritation to the digestive tract. This problem is more likely when you drink a lot of alcohol because of the tannins that are found in the grapes used to make wine.
It is vital to stay hydrated for those going through detox from alcohol. This can reduce the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. It is also crucial to have access to medical assistance in the event that issues, like seizures, which can occur when withdrawal symptoms are experienced.
After the first 24 hours, the withdrawal symptoms caused by alcohol will be less severe. However, this does not mean that the detox process is complete and there are many signs to be endured including migraine headaches.
5. Tremors
Tremors aren't as prevalent as other withdrawal symptoms however they can occur. Tremors are typically an indication that withdrawal is severe and more frequent in men. If you experience tremors during your detox, it's crucial to seek medical assistance as soon as you can. If left untreated, they can result in seizures and heart attacks.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it suppresses the excitatory chemicals within the brain. When you stop drinking the excitatory chemicals that are in your body begin to become overly excited. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as shaking. It is not recommended to quit drinking alcohol without the guidance of a medical professional.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on how much alcohol you've consumed and your body's tolerance. The mild symptoms usually begin around two hours after the last drink and include anxiety, irritability, and sweating. These symptoms will peak within 48 hours and then gradually diminish. In severe withdrawal, symptoms can include tremors, fever hallucinations, and confusion. In extreme cases, these symptoms may be life-threatening and lead to aspiration pneumonia.
During the alcohol detox you will be given medications to treat withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (also called benzos) are the most common and are used for muscle spasms and anxiety, insomnia and other withdrawal symptoms. The most frequently prescribed benzos are chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). If you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms seek out a professional as soon as possible to receive a safe and effective treatment.
6. Insomnia
If you're used to relying on alcohol to sleep it can be difficult to get restful nights without it. You can overcome insomnia during alcohol detox and get a good sleep by following a few simple techniques.
Getting good quality sleep is vital to maintain your physical and mental health. alcohol detoxification can hinder your ability to concentrate and be calm. It can also affect your ability to function normally throughout the day. It can also affect your mood, making it difficult to enjoy sobriety.
Sleep issues are common among recovering alcohol addicts. In fact, they are a major reason why people relapse in the first stages of recovery. While alcohol detoxification shaking, sweating and nausea that come with withdrawal tend to disappear with time, sleep problems may last for weeks or even months.
Sleepiness is a typical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. It can lead to anxiety, irritability and other symptoms. This is why it is important to treat insomnia with the help of a medical detox program.
Ambien is an anti-sleep pill that's used in many detox programs that are medically assisted. It's a popular sleeping pill that's included in numerous detox programs that are medically assisted. It is safe to use during detox as it does not mix with alcohol. The sleep aid will enhance your quality of life and ensure an enjoyable night's sleep during your alcohol detox.