Detox off Drugs

Withdrawal symptoms that are experienced by people who have stopped drinking alcohol abruptly can range from mild to life-threatening if not properly treated. The severity of these alcohol related withdrawal symptoms is usually dependent upon how “alcohol dependent” the chronic drinker has become. Those who drink heavily on a daily basis of course have developed a high level of dependency on alcohol and will almost certainly experience at least some severe withdrawal symptoms, but even those who drink alcohol daily, but not heavily and those who drink alcohol heavily but not daily, can also be chemically dependent upon alcohol.

People who have become excessive daily drinkers stop drinking abruptlyand they will experience some level of physical discomfort. This is why it is extremely difficult for alcoholics to stop drinking “on their own” without the assistance and support of an alcohol rehab center or support group.

Withdrawel Symptoms:

For some, who are less addicted physically, withdrawal symptoms might be as “mild” as merely getting the shakes, the sweats or night sweats – perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heart beat and increased blood pressure.

Although these alcohol withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, they are not necessarily dangerous. But they are often accompanied by the “craving” for more alcohol, making the decision to continue abstinence much more difficult to make without counseling or support.

Even the “morning after hangover” of someone who only occasionally drinks to excess, is actually a mild form of alcohol withdrawal from the excesses of the night before, as the alcohol content of their blood begins to drop. The symptoms can appear within a few hours after not drinking.

Hallucinations and Seizures

Within six to 48 hours after not drinking, hallucinations may develop for the more seriously alcohol dependent. These are usually visual hallucinations but they can also involve sounds and smells. They can last for a few hours or up to weeks at a time. Also within this time frame after quitting, convulsions or seizures can occur, which is the point at which alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal becomes dangerous if not medically treated.