Alcohol is a legal drug that is so prevalent in society that we sometimes forget that it is addictive. Drinking too much or too frequently can cause alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes we call those symptoms a “hangover.” For someone suffering from an alcohol use disorder, however, alcohol withdrawal is more than a hangover. These symptoms can cause lasting psychological and physical harm.
Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms frequently or to an extreme is a call to action. It means that it’s time to step down your consumption of alcohol, probably through an alcohol detox program. Alcohol detox is intended to keep you safe through the withdrawal phase.
There are several effective ways to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal occurs when someone stops drinking or using drugs. It’s the body’s way of letting you know that it has become dependent on those substances in order to function. When you reduce consumption, the brain and body react.
Everyone experiences alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal symptoms a little differently. But generally speaking, acute withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Difficulties in sleeping
- Nausea, vomiting
- High blood pressure, accelerated heart rate
- Seizures
- Anger or irritability
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms regularly in connection with drinking means it’s time to act. Investigate alcohol detox programs near you or contact Summit Detox for more information.
How Can You Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
The best way to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms is with professional help. Alcohol detox programs are designed to help stabilize you and protect your health from worsening as you cut back on drinking.
You also can take steps on your own to help manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. But be vigilant. The more intense the withdrawal, the more likely it is that you need professional assistance. A few tips you might try, however, include the following:
- Stay hydrated – Both water and electrolyte drinks can help. Vomiting and diarrhea can leave you on the precipice of dehydration
- Eat well – You need to keep your energy up to cope with the challenges of withdrawal
- Exercise – It doesn’t have to be vigorous, but getting your blood moving can help ease some symptoms
- Practice relaxation techniques – Meditate, do yoga, and make sure you stick to a specific, predictable sleep schedule
Finally, regularly attend a 12-step program. Being around peers who have been through the same experiences can help.
What Happens After Alcohol Withdrawal?
The goal during detox is to get past the alcohol withdrawal symptoms to continue with your recovery. That’s why working with a professional detox center such as Summit Detox is important. It can lead you seamlessly into counseling and later stages of recovery.
Once withdrawal subsides, the most important challenge is to keep moving forward. You don’t want to have to go through the withdrawal phase ever again after enrolling in an alcohol detox program. The typical step after detox is counseling. You should work with a trained therapist to understand what’s happened to you and figure out how to develop improved coping skills.
Alcohol use disorders are manageable, not curable. So, you need the best possible skills to keep the demons of alcohol addiction at bay.
Support for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms at Summit Detox
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. But you should pay attention to them wherever they fall. Ignoring them can have significant consequences for your alcohol use disorder. The best way to address the problems of withdrawal is to enroll in an alcohol detox program at Summit Detox. Our experienced staff will serve as your support system through the experience of detox. We offer a 20-bed detox facility that’s focused on getting you ready to face the challenges of the next phases of treatment. Summit Detox provides the safety, security, and confidentiality you need to rebuild your life. Make the call today. Our counselors can schedule a confidential consultation. Just contact Summit Detox at (888) 995-5265 and begin addressing your alcohol withdrawal symptoms today.
