Most drug users who quit “cold turkey” have to go through withdrawal of some sort. Withdrawal is never comfortable, but sometimes it can actually be dangerous. The list below outlines some drugs that should never be quit suddenly without medical supervision. This is the reason why some rehab treatment is preceded by a medical detox period lasting anywhere from two days to a week or more. If you are an alcoholic, you should seek help from a physician or alcohol addiction center, Schwartz said.
Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder
- If you have alcohol use disorder and want help, a healthcare provider can guide you to resources and rehabilitation programs to help you quit.
- Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex disease.
- During the detox process, your vital signs will be closely watched.
- Medications play a crucial role in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly for individuals with severe symptoms.
- As for diseases, men tend to have higher health risks, with the exception of hypertension.
- Hangovers also play a role in this connection, as they often create an endless cycle of waking up feeling anxious, ill, and guilty.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, but you do not have to face it alone. Tennessee Behavioral Health provides comprehensive medical detox services designed to keep you safe while you take the courageous step toward sobriety. Our experienced team monitors your Alcohol Withdrawal progress, manages symptoms with appropriate medications, and provides the therapeutic support you need for lasting recovery. Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient services, we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact Tennessee Behavioral Health today to learn how we can help you overcome alcohol addiction safely and build a healthier future. If you have been drinking heavily for an extended period, have a history of seizures or severe withdrawal, or have other health conditions, medical detox is strongly recommended.
Do I Need to Detox from Alcohol?
Over time, the substances or activities change your brain chemistry, and you become desensitized to their effects. There’s not a single cause of addiction — it’s a very complex condition. A significant part of how addiction develops is through changes in your brain chemistry. Caffeine use may be safe for adults, but it’s not a good idea for children. Teens and young adults need to know about too much caffeine and mixing caffeine with alcohol and other drugs.
- He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.
- You could have one child who is born healthy and another child who is born with problems.
- The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder.
- Beyond the seizure itself, people can sustain serious injuries from falling.
What are the treatment options for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Other factors can influence the intensity and duration of alcohol abuse withdrawal symptoms. There is a small risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms occurring on days 3-4 of the detox period. The DTs can be life threatening, further showing the need for a medical detox. A medical detox team is trained to assist you with alcohol withdrawal. Their goal is to reduce discomfort, provide medical and mental health support, and observe symptoms throughout.
Can delirium tremens be prevented?
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal condition, but it can be treated with proper medical attention. During withdrawal, the functioning of the central nervous system attempts to readjust to the lack of alcohol. Through chronic usage, the body eventually becomes conditioned to the presence of alcohol and is able to adapt to it.