Going through detox after heavy drinking can be difficult for someone with alcoholism, especially if they don’t get the proper help. Our South Florida alcohol detox utilizes medication-assisted care and round-the-clock support from our specialists to help clients safely get through alcohol withdrawal and avoid relapse. Alcohol withdrawals are often severe enough that addicts attempting to quit will continue to drink to avoid them, which can make matters worse. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism and wants to quit, we offer luxury detox at Seaside Palm Beach that can make it possible.
What Alcohol Withdrawal Is Like
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when people with alcohol dependence don’t drink for a while or cut back on their drinking. Dependence can occur with many forms of drug use, even in people who take prescription medications correctly. And while it’s not always a sign of addiction, considering that alcohol is not a prescription medication, withdrawals from alcohol are usually not a good sign.
Someone dependent on alcohol can’t feel “normal” unless they drink. Withdrawals occur when the brain attempts to regulate itself after being under the influence of alcohol’s sedative effects. As the body and brain attempt to adjust to a lack of alcohol, reactions called withdrawal symptoms start to occur.
Withdrawals can be highly uncomfortable and painful when detoxing from alcohol. As a result, the individual may continue to drink heavily to avoid them. As their tolerance develops, physical dependence eventually becomes an addiction, in which they’re as psychologically dependent on alcohol as they are physically dependent.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Shaky hands
- Vomiting
- Mild anxiety
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
- Disorientation, confusion, and severe anxiety, which cannot be distinguished from reality
- Profuse sweating
- High blood pressure
- Racing and irregular heartbeat
- Severe tremors
- Low-grade fever
Withdrawal from alcohol can begin as early as two hours after the person’s last drink and can last for weeks. Symptoms may range from mild anxiety and shaking to severe physical complications like seizures. For these reasons, the best way to detox from alcohol is with the help of a medical team, such as the one at our Florida detox center.
Can Alcohol Withdrawal Be Fatal?
Death from alcohol withdrawal, although rare, is possible. When individuals who have been consuming alcohol heavily for a prolonged period suddenly stop or significantly reduce their intake, it can lead to a series of physiological and neurological changes in the body.
One of the most serious complications that can arise during alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens (DT), a condition characterized by severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and rapid heartbeat. DT poses a significant risk to the individual’s life due to the potential for cardiovascular disturbances, respiratory problems, and other severe medical complications. Without proper medical intervention, DT can result in death.
Additionally, alcohol withdrawal can cause other life-threatening conditions such as seizures, heart arrhythmias, and electrolyte imbalances. These complications can occur due to the abrupt cessation of alcohol, which disrupts the delicate balance of chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain and body. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, the extent of alcohol dependence, and previous withdrawal experiences.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Alcohol withdrawal follows a predictable timeline, although its severity and duration can vary based on individual factors. After abruptly stopping or significantly reducing alcohol consumption, the initial stage of withdrawal typically occurs within the first 6 to 12 hours. This is followed by a more intense phase, which peaks within the first 72 hours. In severe cases, a medical emergency known as delirium tremens (DT) may arise during this period, requiring immediate attention due to potentially life-threatening complications. After the acute phase, individuals may continue to experience milder withdrawal effects for weeks or even months as they progress through the recovery process.
How to Help Alcohol Withdrawal
At our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our clients, especially when they’re going through withdrawal. During detox, patients receive medication-assisted treatment (as needed) to mitigate withdrawals while under the care and supervision of our team. Considering that relapse is most common during withdrawal, we strive to create a clean, safe, and comfortable environment where our patients can get through this challenging stage of recovery.
Following detox, patients can then move on to our high-end rehab for luxury alcohol addiction treatment, in which they’ll receive sensational care, amenities, food, and more. No matter what substance use or mental health disorder you’re going through, our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in Palm Beach can help.
