The first step to overcoming alcohol addiction is detox. To many, the alcohol detox process can seem overwhelming and intimidating. However, detox is an essential part of the recovery process, and, with the proper staff and amenities, it doesn’t have to be so unpleasant. At an alcohol addiction rehab center, you can get the proper help you need.
What Causes Withdrawal?
When you drink heavily for a long time, you regularly expose your brain to the effects of alcohol. The mind thinks it wants more of this effect, causing you to have a dependence on alcohol. Then, it requires more alcohol to get the same result.
When you suddenly stop drinking, alcohol abruptly halts inhibiting your brain’s neurotransmitters. As a result, your brain struggles to adjust to the chemical irregularity. This struggle causes nausea, headaches, delirium tremens, and other withdrawal symptoms.
The side effects differ depending on the person. You may be nervous to stop drinking because you fear the uncomfortable symptoms. However, for the good of your health and your relationships, you must push through your fears and reach out to an alcohol addiction detox and rehabilitation program.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
During the first stage of withdrawal, you may experience anxiety, whole-body tremors, vomiting, insomnia, profuse sweating, shakiness, or heart failure. These are symptoms that can range in severity depending on the extremity of the alcohol addiction.
After you have been sober for an extended period of time, there will still be anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, diminished appetite, mood swings, or depression. Not all symptoms will be present for everyone. Each individual’s process is different and will feel different.
These symptoms are what make it dangerous to detox alone. Withdrawal is hard, and it takes help to do it successfully. To be sure of your safety and progress, getting professional help is highly recommended.