Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol detox or withdrawal symptoms that are experienced by people who stop drinking alcohol abruptly (cold turkey) ranges from mild to life-threatening if not properly treated. The severity depends upon how alcohol dependent the chronic drinker has become.
Alcoholics who stop drinking abruptly will experience some level of physical discomfort. It is extremely difficult for alcoholics to stop drinking without the assistance and support of an alcohol rehab center or support group. For those who are less chemically dependent, withdrawal symptoms might be as mild as merely getting the shakes, the sweats or night sweats - perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure.

Within six to 48 hours of not having alcohol, hallucinations may develop for the more seriously alcohol dependent which can last from a few hours to a few weeks. Within this time frame convulsions or seizures can occur, which is when alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal becomes dangerous if not medically treated.

Chronic alcoholism and it's severe withdrawal symptoms may progress to delirium tremens (DT's) after three to five days without alcohol. The symptoms of DT's include profound confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperactivity and extreme cardiovascular disturbances. This condition causes shifts in your breathing, your circulation and your temperature control. Your heart may race, blood pressure may increase dramatically, and you may suffer serious dehydration. Once DT's begin, there is no known medical treatment to stop them. Grand mal seizures, heart attacks and strokes can occur during the DT's—these serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be fatal to an alcoholic if not properly treated under medical supervision.

Drug detoxification refers to the physical component of drug addiction. Detox is the process of removing all the harmful toxins that drugs bring into the body. While the withdrawal symptoms are rarely life threatening, they can cause the individual to relapse into drug use, or cause suicidal thoughts. Individuals will experience discomfort as their body adjusts to life without the substance to which it is accustomed. Withdrawal symptoms vary, but some of the most common include anxiety, paranoia, insomnia (sleeplessness), weight loss, suicidal thoughts, depression, joint or muscle pain, sweats or chills, exhaustion and extreme fatigue.

Q: How long do withdrawal symptoms from alcoholism last?

A: Depending on the severity of the level of alcoholism, withdrawal symptoms from alcohol generally last from several days to several weeks. While the withdrawal symptoms may disappear completely within a few weeks, the psychological withdrawal may last for years for some people. The desire to drink (craving alcohol) can return at every new event you face when sober.

Q: How long do withdrawal symptoms from drug detox last?

A: Although it varies according to the individual and the depth of their drug problem, most withdrawal symptoms from drug detoxification last between two days and two weeks.

Caron’s treatment programs are staffed by knowledgeable medical experts to support patients through periods of drug or alcohol detoxification, which must be done through inpatient services. Caron Texas has an onsite medical detox unit.