If you’ve been abusing alcohol, you might be afraid to stop because of the fear of withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening. However, once past it, you’ll be much healthier for quitting drinking. Alcohol abuse can cause withdrawal symptoms if you’ve been drinking for a long time. There can be physical symptoms with your body, and also psychological symptoms. By preparing in advance for the effects of withdrawal, hopefully, you can manage them better. Just remember that you are doing it for a reason and doing the best thing for your body by giving up alcohol.
What to Expect from Alcohol Withdrawal: Prepare for the Experience
What is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal happens when you stop using an addictive substance. It’s more common if you’ve been using it for a long time. When you use a drug or alcohol, your brain chemistry changes, and gets used to having the drug in your system. Your body then needs to have the drug in order to feel normal. So when you go through alcohol withdrawal, it is because your body is trying to adapt to no longer having alcohol in its system. This can come out as physical and psychological symptoms.
Does Withdrawal Happen with Alcohol
Some people forget that alcohol is considered a drug. However, it’s actually the most commonly used drug in America. Your brain adjusts to having alcohol in your body just like any other drug. Some people are more prone to having more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. And it’s impossible to know if you’ll be affected strongly. Sometimes it depends on how often and how much alcohol you were drinking. But it can also just depend on your body’s makeup.
Physical Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal can show itself in many ways. Quitting cold turkey if you’ve been using alcohol for a long time can actually be life-threatening. Some people experience seizures because alcohol typically calms the body’s nervous system. Without it, your body can become overexcited. This can result in seizures and other problems. Tremors and shakes can occur. In addition, you may feel nauseous or vomit.
Psychological Symptoms
Withdrawal can also show itself with psychological symptoms. You may have trouble sleeping at night. You can also have anxiety after quitting drinking. Some people find that they are grumpier and easier to anger when going through it. In severe cases, you might experience hallucinations. Your symptoms can start hours after your last drink, or even days. Some of the more serious symptoms can occur later in your alcohol withdrawal. Because of this, it’s best to make sure that you are being monitored the whole time.
Alcohol withdrawal can be scary to even think about. It often keeps people from trying to stop drinking or using drugs because they are afraid of going through it. However, if you know what to expect you can try to prepare for the symptoms. You may experience physical symptoms like nausea and shakes. You could also have psychological issues like anxiety and even hallucinations. Because withdrawal can be very dangerous, you need to make sure that you are monitored the whole time. Find a rehab facility or medical professional who can guide you through the process. Once you are through withdrawal you’ll be able to live a drug-free life.
