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When someone drinks every day, they will often build up a tolerance to the substance. This means that in order to feel the euphoric effects of alcohol, they will need to drink more and more as their body becomes accustomed to the higher amounts.
This tolerance indicates a physical dependence upon alcohol and when this becomes an issue, the drinker will often experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when he or she is without a drink.

These can range from mild to moderate to severe, depending upon:

  • The length of time that the person has been dependent upon alcohol
  • The amount they usually drink daily
  • Whether or not they have tapered off or quit cold turkey
  • Other drugs that they use regularly
  • Co-occurring mental health symptoms or medical problems

In most cases, the appearance of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is a red flag that immediate treatment is necessary. In order to become free from alcoholism for the long-term, it is necessary to undergo detox and address these withdrawal symptoms with the help and supervision of substance treatment medical professionals. Find out more when you contact us at Black Bear Lodge today.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

There is a wide range of symptoms that can occur when alcohol detox begins. Sometimes they begin within a few hours of the last drink; other times, it takes a few days. Once begun, they usually worsen over the next two to three days and can last for weeks, slowly dissipating over time.

According to Medline Plus, common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Agitation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood swings
  • Bad dreams
  • Shakiness

Delirium Tremens

When alcoholism is severe, delirium tremens can be the result when the patient attempts to stop drinking. This is often characterized by:

  • Fever
  • Seizures
  • Severe shaking
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Extreme confusion

When alcohol withdrawal symptoms are this extreme, it is important to ensure that immediate access to medical care is available at all times.

Alcohol Detox and Treatment Assistance

Patients who struggle with alcohol withdrawal symptoms will need the assistance of a medical detox program followed by intensive therapeutic treatment. The goal is not only to break the physical dependence upon drinking but to help the patient to remain alcohol- and drug-free for the long-term. To that end, a range of treatment resources may be utilized, including:

  • Medications. According to American Family Physician, there are a number of different medications that can be effective in the treatment of the symptoms associated with alcohol detox, from the psychological cravings to drink to the physical symptoms experienced.
  • Medical care. In some cases, patients may need medical treatment to address physical ailments caused by chronic drinking or to deal with underlying disorders exacerbated by drinking.
  • Psychotherapeutic treatment. Alcohol abuse disorders affect the mind and emotions, as well as the body, and patients will not be able to sustain recovery without intensive and long-term psychotherapeutic care to address underlying and associated mental health issues and trauma.
  • Aftercare services. After alcohol addiction treatment is complete, aftercare services are recommended to help cement the new principles of recovery and help patients to maintain sobriety for the long-term.

Contact us at Black Bear Lodge today at 855-808-6212 to learn more about what you can and should expect from an alcohol rehabilitation program.