Going through withdrawal from alcohol addiction can be a painful experience for the addict. The individual feels as if their body is being pulled apart. Loved ones of the addict watch as the addict goes through an agonizing period of their life, and the loved ones feel helpless. The reality is, the only way the addict can become clean and sober is if they go through this painful experience.
Alcohol addiction withdrawal consists of the body removing toxins left by long-term alcohol consumption. Because the individual had consumed so much alcohol over a long period of time, the body became dependent on the chemicals in the alcohol in order to function “properly.” These toxins became what the body considered as “normal,” or “organic.” If alcohol consumption suddenly stops, the body goes into shock and is unable to function as it did, which puts the body into the withdrawal stage.
Many symptoms of alcohol addiction withdrawal will manifest. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms is dependent solely on how much alcohol has been consumed, and how long the alcohol consumption has occurred. The most common symptoms of alcohol addiction withdrawal include the following:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Body tremors
- Shakiness
These symptoms tend to occur within 8 hours after the individual consumed their last alcoholic beverage. In some cases, the onset of symptoms can occur some days later. The peak intensity of these withdrawal symptoms tends to occur within 24-72 hours after last drink, and has the ability to linger for several weeks.
What are Delirium Tremens?
An individual who suddenly stops drinking alcohol after a heavy drinking experience may enter a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens. This severe form of alcohol withdrawal is so strong, that it can alter an individual’s mental state and nervous system, especially if the individual has not been eating.
Criteria for Delirium Tremens
The criteria for delirium tremens includes the following:
- Individuals who drink 4 to 5 pints of wine every day for several months.
- Individuals who drink 7 to 8 pints of beer for several months.
- Individuals who drink one pint of hard liquor for several months.
- Individuals who have had an alcohol habit for over 10 years.
What are the common symptoms of delirium tremens?
The common symptoms of delirium tremens are as follows:
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Pale skin
Treatment for alcohol addiction withdrawal, and delirium tremens, depends on how severe the symptoms are. For individuals experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms, treatment can be completed at home. For individuals experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, treatment needs to be done at an alcohol addiction treatment center.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing moderate to several alcohol addiction withdrawal, it is highly recommended that you contact your local alcohol addiction treatment center. These alcohol addiction treatment centers can answer any questions you may have in regards to detox and rehab stay. It is important to get help for a loved one experiencing severe alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms with no delay.
