For most people, alcohol is an intermittent pleasure. But for someone with an alcohol problem, it can become a dangerous obsession. The more serious the addiction, the more troubling the behaviors associated with it become. And the more difficult it becomes to extract yourself from its grip. And alcohol withdrawal symptoms make it even harder to quit.
Alcohol has been a part of our culture practically since its inception. However, there have never been more safe and effective ways to kick the bottle than there are today. Alcohol addiction treatment centers abound, and most offer a range of care that stresses maintainable sobriety over a quick fix.
Admitting to the problem is the first step every alcoholic takes on the road to recovery. The next one is detox. And really, there’s no way to sugar-coat it: detox is unpleasant under the best of circumstances, especially for heavy drinkers.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What is a detoxing alcoholic up against? Alcohol withdrawal signs vary from person to person based on numerous factors. However, common symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Profuse sweating
- Headaches
- Racing heartbeat
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Exhaustion
- Blood pressure spikes or crashes
- Seizures
Even though this isn’t a complete list, it’s daunting. Plus, it’s potentially life-threatening. Some with mild to moderate drinking habits that may be able to go “cold turkey.” Heavy drinkers put themselves in serious jeopardy trying to quit on their own. Their symptoms will be intense, and the damage they’ve done to their bodies may make enduring them excruciating—possibly even fatal. An alcohol detox program cuts the risk and offers 24/7 support.
There’s another drawback to going “cold turkey.” Put bluntly, it sets the recovering alcoholic up for eventual failure. Even if detox is successful, the momentarily sober individual is now up against almost limitless temptations without any support. They’re bound to fail unless they have a plan.
The Second Round of Symptoms
Although technically not a part of detox, trying to live sober is, in a sense, the second set of symptoms to address. Clean for perhaps the first time in a while, an alcoholic without a full plan for recovery will run into all the old problems. The anxiety that whiskey helped calm is still there. The friends who guzzle beer are still calling. The stressful situations that led to a hidden bottle of vodka are unresolved. In such a scenario, the person with an alcohol addiction doesn’t stand a chance. Relapse is just a matter of time.
Getting and Staying Sober
It’s impossible to make alcohol detox a pleasant experience. However, it can be managed to minimize alcohol withdrawal signs. A proper alcohol detox facility, such as can be found at LA Detox, offers the safest, most effective way to get clean. And with a wide variety of options for recovery, LA Detox can also help you learn to stay sober for the rest of your life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, we’re here to help. For more information on the treatments we provide, please call us at [Direct].
