Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are one of the many ways alcohol can kill or leave users injured. The various other ways begin with the fact that it is a toxic substance. Many young adults die from binge drinking, which overloads the system with toxins and overrides the body’s natural defenses. Next, alcohol magnifies the effects of illicit drugs setting the user up for an overdose event. Driving drunk is another common way alcohol can cause multiple deaths. It also impairs judgment, causing people who are inebriated to take unnecessary chances such as swimming or getting into deadly arguments. Finally, there is the slow death from damage done to vital organs.

Of all the ways alcohol ends life, alcohol withdrawal symptoms is the least expected of all. Many times a seasoned alcoholic will decide it is time to give up this harmful habit. Unfortunately this gallant effort often ends in death due to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Heavy drinkers are the most at risk when detoxing from consistent alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking disrupts the activity of the neurotransmitters in the brain that produce relaxation and calm feelings. When these are consistently suppressed, alcohol dependency develops as the user drink more and more to experience those good feelings.? As drinking becomes chronic tolerance develops, which, without treatment, can lead to addiction.

Sudden cessation of alcohol cause the suppressed neurotransmitters to rebound and throw the brain into an excitable state. This phenomenon creates dangerous and unpredictable withdrawal symptom from mild anxiety to cardiac arrest. Severe and often deadly alcohol withdrawal symptoms are called Delirium Tremens or DTs. This condition is characterized by an altered mental state and hyperactivity, which can eventually lead to cardiovascular collapse. Delirium Tremens can result in a medical emergency situation because of the high mortality rate associated with it.

Treatment

There is no need to suffer or put yourself at risk while trying to detox from alcohol consumption. There are many options and services offered for the recovering alcoholic. For instance, hospitalization for alcohol withdrawal has now become standard practice for most hospitals. Alcohol rehab centers have trained, experienced clinicians that deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms on a daily basis. Those with concomitant disorders are at even greater risk of experiencing deadly DTs. As a result more hospitals and rehabilitation centers are implementing protocols that address the complications that are inherent in these co-occurring conditions.

White Sands Treatment Center has experienced physicians that help patients through the detoxification process and beyond to complete rehabilitation from alcohol abuse. They carefully assess every patient at intake to determine if there are any underlying issues that may complicate the detoxification process. Specialized treatment procedures are applied in instances where existing health condition necessitate medical intervention. Early identification also help to guide the selection of medication administered to the patient if it becomes necessary during detox.

President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Miller says… stigma and ignorance about alcoholism contribute to the under-recognition and inadequate treatment of acute withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can escalate from mild to severe very quickly. If you are attempting to stop drinking on your own, seek medical attention immediately even if symptoms only cause you mild to moderate discomfort. Existing health conditions such as an infection, a heart condition, or a history of respiratory disease put you at greater health risk. Seek medical help before completely stopping alcohol consumption. You may not be able to help yourself or reach out for help if you begin having serious complications.

It is a dangerous endeavor to withdraw from chronic drinking on your own. Whether this is your first time halting alcohol consumption or you have tried before and had very mild symptoms, seek medical monitoring during your detox. Alcohol rehab is always the best and safest route to overcoming alcoholism and enjoying long term sobriety. Speak to an addiction specialist at White Sands.  

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.