Alcohol Withdrawal
In order to live a long, healthy life the alcoholic must move past their addiction and stop drinking. However, this can be a difficult process, especially for those individuals who have been drinking alcohol heavily for decades – often since their early teenage years and right on through to middle life or old age.
One of the biggest hurdles recovering alcoholics face is withdrawal. The length, type and severity of withdrawal symptoms from giving up alcohol consumption can run the gamut from mild to intense – it all depends on the make-up of the individual and how long/how much they have been drinking. Many individuals are advised to contact a doctor or recovery professional before they give up alcohol "cold turkey" so that they may be educated about withdrawal and the symptoms associated with it.
Withdrawal Symptoms Commonly Experienced by Alcoholics:
Psychological Symptoms
- Shakiness – "the shakes" are one of the most common experiences for those who have stopped drinking after prolonged use. With it, the hands literally shake uncontrollably for extended periods of time.
- Nervousness – anxiety and uneasiness are always prevalent, as the recovering alcoholic becomes concerned and agitated about not drinking – or when they will be able to again.
- General Irritability – people can become abusive to friends and family when detoxing off of alcohol.
- Mood swings - -withdrawal can make people emotional volatile, as they are able to cope with their situation one moment and unable to deal with things the next.
- Depression and Fatigue – withdrawal can lead to lethargic behavior and general depression.
- Nightmares – already likely to have difficulty sleeping, the recovering alcoholic may experience significant nightmares or night terrors.
Physical Symptoms
- Sweating – most commonly in the hands, neck and face area.
- Vomiting and nausea
- Appetite loss – this is a common withdrawal symptom that usually occurs in the weeks immediately following giving up alcohol.
- Inability to sleep – withdrawal causes insomnia for many –since often it was the alcohol that helped them wind down for the evening
- Heart Palpitations
- Fever and convulsions – these last two symptoms are out the most commonly seen in withdrawal patients, but they do rank about the most intense symptoms.
These symptoms can all be highly detrimental to an alcoholic's progress. Many turn BACK to drinking as a means for avoid the negative experiences listed above.
Treatment at Michael's House helps the patient get through the difficult times brought on by these withdrawal symptoms. Through our alcohol and drug rehab and mental health facilities, we incorporate best practices in addictions and behavioral health treatments and are highly individualized and client directed.
At Michael's House, we provide a safe haven for those recovering from alcohol addiction. Our trained, highly skilled staff is familiar with all the withdrawal symptoms above and many more not listed here. These kind, dedicated individuals help patients get through the withdrawal phase and move on to the rest of their recovery.
