The latter is a serious condition that can cause confusion, disorientation, hyperactivity, seizures, heart attack, and stroke. Overall, supervised alcohol withdrawal is the safest option for those struggling with alcohol abuse. It provides the necessary medical supervision to manage and treat withdrawal symptoms, reducing the risk of severe complications and death. Additionally, certain individuals should not attempt to detox from alcohol at home, as it can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Alcohol withdrawal (commonly referred to as alcohol withdrawal syndrome) is what happens when individuals with severe alcohol dependence suddenly stop ingesting alcohol. While this is a positive step in the right direction, it can be very dangerous if an individual quits alcohol cold turkey. For individuals with mild alcohol withdrawal, healthcare providers may prescribe medications such as carbamazepine or gabapentin to manage symptoms.
People who have a dependency tend to notice they require more alcohol over time to receive the desired effects. If you or someone you know is misusing alcohol, contact a doctor before stopping use. They can assess your condition and advise you on whether you should complete your withdrawal in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Alcohol withdrawal can severely affect mental health, leading to a range of psychological symptoms and challenges. Individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal may experience heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms can be severe and debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to manage daily life stressors. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal can also result in cognitive impairment, including difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making processes.
According to a 2022 review of scientific literature, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Alcohol also inhibits the production of an anti-diuretic hormone, so large quantities of alcohol make you urinate a lot and become dehydrated. This is often made worse by the fact that the heart’s structure changes with long-term alcohol use. Alcohol damages the brain, heart, liver and pancreas, and it increases the risk of some cancers, such as mouth and bowel cancer.
Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, particularly when severe symptoms such why alcohol withdrawal can be deadly as seizures or delirium tremens occur. The mortality rate for untreated DTs is as high as 15%, highlighting the importance of medical supervision during withdrawal. Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations are frequently experienced in acute, complicated AW or DT’s. Hallucinations that are not connected with DT’s occur in 3 to 10 percent of patients during severe AW from 12 hours to 7 days after cessation or reduction of alcohol consumption (Platz et al. 1995).
These symptoms can sometimes progress to more serious issues, such as hallucinations and alcohol withdrawal seizures. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces their drinking. In the beginning, it is important to make sure that no harm comes from the physical symptoms. However, “emotional withdrawals” can also be very difficult to manage, and tend to linger long beyond the initial cessation of substance use. They can also be the reason why someone chooses to drink again, even long after the physical detox process has concluded. It is a vicious cycle that must be addressed if one is to fully heal.
If they show dangerous symptoms, the doctors may prescribe them medication to lower the chance of any serious complications. Someone who does not receive emergency medical care can experience seizures or suffer a heart attack or stroke. In rare cases, a person with a severe alcohol use disorder who suddenly stops drinking can experience delirium tremens (DTs). The DTs can cause life-threatening complications, such as irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild (anxiety, sweating, nausea) to severe (seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens). Severe symptoms can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Many symptoms may arise during the course of alcohol withdrawal, including high blood pressure, insomnia, and tremors. Treatment can lessen these symptoms and help prevent harmful outcomes. After detox, individuals are encouraged to continue treatment in a residential or inpatient program to address the root causes of addiction and develop coping skills for lasting recovery. At Ladoga Recovery Center, we are more than just an Addiction Treatment Center in Indiana. Our compassionate team, state-of-the-art facilities, and evidence-based programs provide the tools and support needed to overcome alcohol addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
The chances of dying from alcohol withdrawal increase if there have been multiple relapses, as withdrawal symptoms can become worse with each successive detox. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While alcohol detox is rarely fatal, it can be dangerous, and the sooner treatment is sought, the better. To safely withdraw from alcohol, it is important to gradually decrease alcohol intake over several days or weeks before stopping completely. It is also crucial to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and make lifestyle changes to support recovery. Doctors can also prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, such as naltrexone or acamprosate.
DTs is a combination of physical tremors and other serious symptoms, including rapid mental confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, hyperactivity, seizures, heart attack, and stroke. It is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the brain, having developed a dependency on alcohol, suddenly loses access to it. It is important to note that deaths related to alcohol withdrawal are rare and almost completely preventable with proper medical supervision and management. Supervised alcohol withdrawal, preferably in a medical detox program, is the safest approach to minimise the risk of severe complications and improve the chances of a successful recovery. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening and require treatment in a hospital or specialised facility.
Initial symptoms include tremor, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and nausea. Particularly in mildly alcohol-dependent persons, these symptoms may comprise the entire syndrome and may subside without treatment after a few days. More serious withdrawal symptoms occur in approximately 10 percent of patients.
Alcohol addiction often leads to malnutrition and dehydration, further complicating withdrawal. IV fluids, electrolytes, and nutrient-rich meals help restore physical health and support the body’s healing process. A professional detox can help reduce the chance that an individual will stop in the middle of the process and go back to drinking. This is due to the professional setting that ensures an individual stays accountable for the detox process. With the proper support and treatment, it is possible to overcome the challenges of alcohol dependence and withdrawal. AW represents a period of significant clinical risk that requires attentive medical management.