Drinking alcohol on a consistent basis can create a wide range of complications for individuals. That includes the development of dependence. When a person is dependent on alcohol, their body and brand rely on the presence of the substance to function normally. When they suddenly stop taking it, they feel ill and may even find it hard to refrain from drinking.
If you are planning to stop drinking alcohol suddenly after doing so for a long time, it’s critical to have some help to ensure you can avoid any complications. At Arizona Rehab Campus, we provide comprehensive support to individuals in all stages of addiction. Our alcohol addiction treatment program can give you what it takes to get through this process.
The Onset of Withdrawal
A person who is dependent will face withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol all of a sudden. Some of the most common symptoms you may have include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Sweating and clammy skin
- Insomnia
It can be hard to think clearly. You may be shaking or jumpy. Your loved ones may say you are moody or that you are agitated easily. These are all common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that should not be ignored.
These symptoms can begin as soon as 8 hours after your last drink. Sometimes, they can show up days later. Most of the time, withdrawal symptoms will last about 72 hours. After that point, you may still have some, but they may be fewer or less intense.
Potentially Severe Side Effects
In some situations, severe side effects may occur. Some people who have used alcohol for a very long time or use a lot of the substance at one time are likely to have a more significant and sometimes dangerous outcome when they suddenly stop using. This may include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Dehydration
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Shaky hands
- Fevers
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
What’s more, the intense withdrawal cravings you may have may encourage you to use again. It is very common for a person with alcohol use disorder to be unable to stop using because the cravings are just too strong. This is why so many people find themselves relapsing.
How Can You Get Through This?
If you are facing alcohol use disorder, which is typically the case if you drink consistently and feel withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to have help to get through these initial days. It’s not safe to go through this process, known as alcohol detox, on your own. Rather, it’s better to do so in a safe environment where you’ll have the support you need for both the mental and physical symptoms you have.
At Arizona Rehab Campus, you can enroll in a detox program that allows your body to work through the withdrawal process without having to face intense pain and emotional upheaval. You can do this through the use of some medications prescribed to those who qualify. It may be available to you as an outpatient or in an inpatient treatment center.
It’s More Than Just Withdrawal
Another important factor to remember is that just getting through those first few weeks isn’t going to be enough to help you stop using. You’ll also need therapy. An individualized treatment plan can help you develop tools to manage cravings and help you to manage stress that could push you towards relapse. You’ll also have the ability to work through the intense trauma or mental health disorders you have that could be the reason you’ve developed an addiction.
At Arizona Rehab Campus, we work with you to create a plan to address your unique needs. That includes listening to you, creating a treatment plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms, and providing you with ample therapy. Your goal is to recover, and we can help get you to that point.
No matter what you are facing right now, our team is ready to support you through alcohol addiction. Reach out to us today to learn more about the therapy options we can provide to you. You can enroll quickly and start on the path to eliminating addiction’s hold on your life. You just need the right team to get you to that point. Call us to get started.
