Alcohol Abuse Withdrawal

The term “withdrawal” is used to define a group of symptoms that may occur when a person suddenly stops drinking after chronic or prolonged use of alcohol. This condition may come about because the alcoholic has chosen to stop (going “cold turkey”), or simply because the chronic drinker has no access to alcohol.

After a long history of drinking, the alcoholic becomes “chemically dependent”—the same term used to describe the condition of long-term users of any drug. The severity of an alcoholic’s withdrawal symptoms will be determined by his or her degree of dependency. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe (even life threatening) complications.

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal:

Mild to moderate symptoms - psychological:
- nervousness, anxiety, shakiness
- irritability, excitedness
- depression or fatigue
- inability to think clearly
- rapid changes in emotions
- sad or frightening dreams

Mild to moderate symptoms - physical:
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- excessive sweating, clammy and pale skin
- difficulty sleeping, insomnia
- lack of interest in food
- heart palpitations
- dilated pupils, fluttering eyelids
- tremors, especially of the hands

Severe symptoms – physical and psychological:
- extreme confusion
- hallucinations
- agitation, often with abnormal strength
- fever
- convulsions
- “black outs” (inability to account for large periods of time during a drinking bout)

Alcohol Abuse Detox:

“Detox” is the treatment community’s shorthand for detoxification: the process of clearing the harmful and toxic residue of alcohol from the body’s system.

Currently, medications are available that can enable the patient to relax (and even sleep) through the most difficult period, without feeling the unpleasant effects normally associated with withdrawal. This allows the alcoholic to safely and comfortably eliminate the poisonous effects of alcohol. He or she is then ready to participate in the next phase of recovery: inpatient or outpatient treatment.

It wasn’t always like this. Years ago, alcoholics were committed to mental institutions for the purpose of “drying out.” Strapped to gurneys, they were left alone—part treatment and part punishment—to experience hallucinations and all the other terrifying, unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. We’re glad to be able to offer a much safer, reliable and more humane approach to detox today.

To find a recovery program near you that offers this treatment protocol, call (800) 223-1497