While alcohol withdrawal is necessary for recovery from addiction, it can also be a painful process that causes discomfort. On average, a person going through detox may experience mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms for a period of seven to fourteen days.

An alcohol detox center ensures that a client successfully and fully detoxes from alcohol by providing a fully licensed medical staff, comfortable facilities, 24/7 monitoring, and emergency care, and medication-assisted treatment. Below we look at common alcohol withdrawal symptoms and what you can expect during this first stage of alcohol addiction recovery.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms differ from person to person, making each experience in detox slightly unique. The scope and severity of the symptoms you may experience depend on several factors including:

  • How long you have been drinking
  • How much you drink
  • If you are using other substances
  • The type of alcohol your drink
  • The overall condition of your health

 Common symptoms you may expect to encounter include:

Emotional or Mental Disorders

Long-term alcohol consumption can cause mental disorders to develop. These disorders may peak during withdrawal. For instance, you may experience anxiety, depression, or even small episodes of trauma as your body and brain adjust to not having alcohol in your system.

Problems with Sleep

Once you stop drinking, you may feel tired and want to sleep for long periods (hypersomnia). Or, you may not be able to sleep at all (insomnia). Even when you do sleep you may have severe nightmares that jar you out of your sleep.

Severe Cravings

Your alcohol cravings will reach their peak during the first few days after you stop drinking. They may become so intense that you mentally or verbally cry out for alcohol. Slowly, your cravings will decrease. However, don’t expect them to disappear during detox. Cravings can last for several days or weeks long after detox has ended. This is why rehab is integral to your recovery. 

Chills or Sweating

Don’t be surprised if your body goes through extreme temperature fluctuations. One minute you will be freezing. The next minute you will sweat profusely, as your body temperature is higher than normal. You may also experience shaking or tremors, or clammy, pale, sweaty skin.

Stomach/Digestion Problems

Not having alcohol in your digestive system can cause you to have a wide range of problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. Even when you are not vomiting, you may feel nausea for three to five days. Your nausea can be caused by nervousness or anxiety disorder. However, it’s likely that your system is adjusting to having no alcohol. 

Severe Medical Symptoms

In the most severe cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may require emergency medical attention. A person may suffer from a stroke, seizures, heart attack, or other health problems. However, it is rare that these problems occur.

Is Detoxing from Alcohol Safe?

When you are detoxing you may feel like you are ‘going to die’. However, detoxing is relatively safe. As long as you are in a safe environment like an alcohol detox center and surrounded by professionals, you can handle almost any withdrawal symptoms.

If you try to detox on your own, you may find that it is unbearable. Consequently, you may decide to go back to drinking. Being in a facility, however, can give you the strength you need to complete detox successfully.

Contact Blueprint Recovery to Get Started with Detox Today

Regardless of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is always worth it to stop drinking. Blueprint Recovery can help you get started. Some of the addiction therapy programs that we offer include:

Contact us at 833.654.1004 to find out more about your treatment options. We can help you get on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction.

 

blueprint recovery center logo Blueprint Recovery Center’s outpatient rehab programs provide structure and support for lasting recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Learn more about our Concord, NH outpatient addiction treatment programs by visiting our website.