Alcohol Withdrawal in Atascocita, TX

When a person is addicted to alcohol, the substance substitutes for natural neurotransmitters in their brain. In other words, their brain physically relies on alcohol to perform on a day-to-day basis. When the addict attempts to quit (also known as our process of drug detox in Atascocita), it denies the brain access to the substance that it has learned to depend on. The brain's ability to function is disrupted, and there is extreme suffering in store for the brave addict. The effects that cause suffering are called alcohol withdrawal. Many addicts make several such attempts on their own and fail before they see that DIY is not be a good idea. At our drug and alcohol rehab for alcohol withdrawal in Atascocita, we talk to such addicts and their families all the time. We tell them that addiction is a medical condition; it is never a good idea to attempt to treat it at home. It takes professional medical care.

How Does Alcohol Withdrawal Feel?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome follows a predictable path in most people. There are specific stages.

The first stage: Withdrawal symptoms begin within hours of the last drink taken. Tremors are usually the first sign to appear. Some addicts will experience agitation, as well, a condition that aggravates these tremors. A number of other symptoms begin to develop over the next 24 hours. These may include mental fogginess, mood swings, insomnia, nausea, irritability and a racing heart. The first stage can last as long as four days.

The second stage: Addicts who have abused alcohol for very long and in very high quantities are likely to experience a second stage of withdrawal. These symptoms can begin within the first 48 hours, and can run alongside of the first stage. Hallucinations are a common second-stage symptom. They are experienced by one in four of those in withdrawal. Visual hallucinations come and go, interspersed with periods of calm and clarity. Grand mal seizures may be experienced, as well. These seizures can cause muscular rigidity, loss of bowel control and tongue biting.

The third stage: One in three addicts attempting to quit experience the third stage. Beginning four days into the withdrawal process, it often includes delirium tremens. Symptoms include hallucinations, rapid mood swings, paranoia, seizures, tremors, and, the most dangerous of all, lethal changes in heart rhythm. These symptoms peak at five or six days.

Among those who attempt to quit without medical attention, 5% die in the process. Of those who reach stage three without medical treatment, more than 15% die from cardiovascular malfunction.

Alcohol Withdrawal Requires Medical Treatment

Attempting to quit without supervision under alcohol withdrawal treatment programs in Atascocita is undesirable for two reasons. To begin, it does bring with it the risk of death. There's another challenge to keep in mind, as well -- the phenomenon of kindling. Studies have shown that once the brain experiences seizures, its ability suffers, when it comes to the possibility of remaining sober and independent of alcohol in the long-term.

Very few addicts learn in time about this harmful effect of attempting withdrawal without medical care; most alcohol rehab destinations do not talk about it, either. At our drug and alcohol rehab for alcohol withdrawal in Atascocita, however, we do make sure to help educate our patients.

Seek Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal in Atascocita

Accepting inpatient drug detox at a professionally managed center for treatment for alcohol withdrawal is the best step that anyone can take to help treat their alcohol addiction. There are many reasons why inpatient detox works better than outpatient detox, even if it is to be more expensive. Withdrawal from addiction can be very psychologically demanding, to begin. Addicts require a great deal of support. If this isn't available with the patient's family, risk of failure greatly rises. The temptation to sneak a drink can be great, as well.

Inpatient detox can help ensure that the patient receives support, supervision and medical care for symptoms as soon as they appear; assurance of as little pain during the process as possible is very important as a way to encourage addicts to enter treatment and stay with it. Inpatient detox is also the best way to help patients with psychiatric care, something that tends to be very important in most cases.

At our drug and alcohol rehab for alcohol withdrawal in Atascocita, we recommend the highest level of medical care for alcohol withdrawal, because often, with addiction, opportunities to quit aren't easy to come by, and need to be used in the most effective way possible. If you'd like to talk about alcohol addiction problem that you have or one that a family member experiences, we would be happy to help. Call us at (877) 804-1531.