Alcohol Withdrawal in Eagle Pass, TX
Going through the process of alcohol withdrawal in Eagle Pass can be more dangerous than most people realize. Quitting drinking after a prolonged period of heavy abuse can result in serious withdrawal symptoms.
By comparison, seeking specialized alcohol detox treatment programs at our alcohol rehab center can provide a safe environment with proper supervision. Our programs for addiction treatment in Eagle Pass are customized specifically for the needs of our patients.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is a group of symptoms that emerge after a person who has developed a physical dependency on alcohol stops drinking suddenly.
The actual symptoms of withdrawal may differ from one person to the next. Likewise, the severity of symptoms will vary depending on the length of time the person has been drinking, the amount of alcohol being consumed, and the level of tolerance the person has developed to the substance.
Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?
It's common for many people to assume they can quit drinking on their own without having to enter into a drug rehab. They believe they just need to exert some willpower and learn to get over the cravings.
In reality, some of the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be potentially fatal and may require emergency medical assistance. A person who has developed a dependency on alcohol should never consider trying to quit ‘cold turkey' at home.
It's strongly advised that anyone going through alcohol withdrawal in Eagle Pass should seek professional treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab facility.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Most people completely underestimate how potentially dangerous alcohol withdrawal in Eagle Pass can be. When a person is drinking heavily, the brain's chemistry goes through significant changes.
However, when the person stops drinking suddenly, the brain can't adapt. The result is that unpleasant symptoms emerge as the brain enters into a hyper-excitable state. Some withdrawal Symptoms can include:
- Intense cravings
- Tremors and shakes
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heart beat
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Seizures and convulsions
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
The worst of any physical symptoms usually dissipate within a week of taking the last drink. However, some of the psychological symptoms of post-acute withdrawal can sometimes linger for weeks, or even months in some people.
Who Should Seek Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Anyone struggling to regain control over their drinking habits should seek professional treatment for alcohol withdrawal in Eagle Pass. Stopping alcohol consumption suddenly after a prolonged period of heavy drinking can be dangerous without proper supervision.
It's common for many people to deny the extent of their drinking problem. They may believe they still have their drinking habits under control, or they believe they can quit at home.
While heavy drinkers might expect to experience a few symptoms of withdrawal, they completely underestimate how intense some of the psychological withdrawal symptoms can be. In an attempt to make the horrible symptoms stop, many people will give in and start drinking again.
Unfortunately, many of those same people will continue with their self-destructive drinking habits just to avoid the onset of symptoms in future. The result is that the person ends up sinking deeper into the grip of addiction.
What Happens in Alcohol Rehab?
Drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer medical supervision and monitoring that can make the detox process much safer. Staff in a drug and alcohol rehab center can also administer prescription medications to help relieve the worst of any withdrawal symptoms that do emerge during detox.
While medical detox in Eagle Pass is a crucial component in the recovery process, it does nothing to treat the underlying psychological reasons behind self-destructive drinking behaviors. Addiction specialists in an alcohol rehab center use a combination of behavioral therapy and counseling to begin addressing the psychological side of the addiction.
Counseling also begins to teach the recovering person new coping skills for living a sober life without the need for alcohol, as well as learning strong relapse prevention skills. A relapse prevention strategy is designed to help the recovering person find positive, healthy ways to manage cravings, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the risk of returning to former drinking habits. Call us now at (877) 804-1531.