If you or a loved one is currently struggling with an alcohol use disorder, you might search the term “detox programs near me” online. Many people are worried about quitting drinking due to the withdrawal symptoms, but alcohol detox is the first step in treating a substance use disorder. Reach out to one of our staff at Springfield Wellness Center today via 844.334.4727 to discuss alcohol detox options. The road to recovery is only a few steps away.
When Drinking Becomes Addiction
Drinking culture can vary in age groups and locations, making it difficult for a person to know when it’s time to seek help. Generally, it might be time to seek treatment when it becomes impossible to control the amount you drink or how long your drinking sessions are. If you start to experience the consequences of excessive drinking and still cannot reduce your habits, you may have an alcohol use disorder.
3 Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
When giving up alcohol, several different symptoms and side effects can occur. The severity depends on the person. The level of physiological alcohol dependence will vary for different individuals. Alcohol detox symptoms often include the following.
1. Headaches
There are three stages to alcohol withdrawal and detox that a person will experience. In stage one, a person might experience the following:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hand tremors
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Heart palpitations
The stages begin with mild symptoms and end with severe ones.
2. Increased Blood Pressure
Symptoms of stage two alcohol withdrawal include the following:
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Confusion
- Mild hyperthermia
- Rapid abnormal breathing
These can overlap with stage one symptoms.
3. Visual or Auditory Hallucinations
As symptoms become more severe, they reach the stage three category. These symptoms include:
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Impaired attention
Those experiencing any withdrawal symptoms might have a combination of all three, depending on the severity of their dependence.
Alcohol Withdrawal Detox Treatment
Those in recovery can rapidly progress from stage two to stage three without treatment by a healthcare professional. These symptoms can be physically detrimental and lead a person to relapse.
The first stage of treatment is often considered detox. While it can help you navigate your withdrawal symptoms, it does not address patterns, thoughts, or behaviors that contribute to alcohol use. There are some treatment options available for you after you finish alcohol detox that can help you stay on the right track.
The course of alcohol withdrawal is highly variable and can be somewhat unpredictable. Those who experience more mild withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, or are concerned about experiencing withdrawal symptoms should seek a physician or clinician trained in treating patients undergoing alcohol detox. Those experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms might benefit from inpatient treatment, where they can be medically monitored to ensure a smoother recovery process.
Alcohol Withdrawal Medications
There are several medications available to help prevent or lessen withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines to stop specific withdrawal reactions from proceeding to severe consequences.
Patients who are dehydrated or malnourished may be given fluids, supplements, and vitamins—such as the following:
- Acamprosate – helps avoid alcohol use after recovery
- Disulfiram – causes unpleasant side effects if alcohol is consumed
- Naltrexone – helps to block the rewarding effects of alcohol
However, doctors may need to prescribe some of these medications—along with others for supportive care, such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Find an Alcohol Detox Program in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
If you believe that you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, it’s time to seek medical assistance. There is no shame in receiving detox treatment and creating the healthy life you’d like to live. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today via 844.334.4727 to discuss our alcohol detox program.
