Alcohol Withdrawal
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For those who struggle with alcohol addiction and dependence, stopping drinking is difficult. This is in part due to the physical dependence on alcohol, which results in alcohol withdrawal when a person decreases or stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms appear when a person is dependent on alcohol and stops drinking or decreases their drinking. Going through withdrawal is part of the process of healing from alcohol addiction. However, managing these withdrawal symptoms is important. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we help clients successfully detox and heal to take the first step towards a new life free from alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Ethanol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Over time, with high exposure and continued use of alcohol, the CNS becomes dependent on ethanol. It does so by making changes in the CNS that help the brain cope with the consistent presence of a depressant. However, these changes mean that without ethanol, the brain is left with a system that is no longer independent of ethanol. As a result, individuals struggling with alcohol dependence experience symptoms varying from mild to severe depending on their unique biology and history of alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe. Generally, mild symptoms begin within six hours of stopping or decreasing alcohol use. Mild symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
In the first 12 to 24 hours after decreasing or stopping consumption of alcohol, moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can occur. Moderate symptoms include hallucinations or withdrawal seizures. About 50% of those who experience withdrawal seizures will progress to the most severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal, delirium tremens. Delirium tremens symptoms include:
- Visual hallucinations
- Increases heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Poor body temperature regulation
- Agitation
- Sweating
Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
Being diagnosed with alcohol withdrawal is the first step to a client getting help. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, our staff helps provide clients with a diagnosis. This gives both staff and clients an understanding of what treatments are necessary to keep clients comfortable and recover fully from alcohol dependence.
Alcohol withdrawal can continue for up to seven days, and monitoring the progression of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is an important part of treatment at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project. The specific needs of each client are under supervision. Therefore, while some clients will need medications to manage symptoms, others will only need supervision and care in their alcohol withdrawal process.
Managing Symptoms
Getting through alcohol withdrawal is an important first step in recovery from alcohol addiction. However, it is important that symptoms are managed in order to recover from alcohol addiction safely and effectively. Managing symptoms is a vital piece of the process.
There are many ways to manage symptoms of withdrawal. First and foremost, it is important that clients are in a safe environment where they are cared for physically, emotionally, and mentally. However, in addition to general care, many medications are also helpful in managing symptoms. Ensuring hydration through intravenous fluids, correcting electrolyte abnormalities, and providing medications that decrease symptoms helps clients stay comfortable and safe through the process. It is important that these medications are monitored and administered by a medical professional to ensure they are helpful and not harmful.
Both inpatient and outpatient care are options for a client going through alcohol withdrawal, depending on the specifics of their unique situation. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we work directly with each client to find the best way for them to heal. However, in general, more severe cases are often referred to inpatient alcohol rehab in order to have more support and care in the process of healing from addiction.
Rehab and Aftercare for Successful Recovery
Alcohol withdrawal is a sign that a client is struggling with alcohol dependence. While alcohol addiction is a physical dependence, there are other pieces of addiction. Therefore, for a person to recover from alcohol addiction, care after detox is vital. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we offer withdrawal support, alcohol rehab, and aftercare.
In alcohol rehab, clients learn how to successfully stay sober. Addressing underlying issues is part of this process. This includes addressing mental health challenges, trauma, or other aspects of a client’s life that play a role in their dependence on alcohol. However, it also includes learning new skills such as communication skills, self-care, and healthy coping mechanisms. Most importantly, rehab offers a safe environment. In this environment, clients have the opportunity to learn and grow. They can make changes internally and externally in their lives that make an impact.
After rehab, clients have aftercare options. Aftercare helps clients stay connected with their rehab. Addiction is not a curable disease. Therefore, aftercare helps by providing continuous support and care. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, our aftercare programme is free of charge. Clients have the option to stay connected in various ways. This includes peer support or individual sessions. Overall, rehab and aftercare help clients build skills and get the support they need to make real changes in their lives.
Alcohol withdrawal is an unfortunate but real consequence of alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence and is often a part of the healing process if you are struggling with alcohol addiction. To learn more about how you can get support in order to heal from alcohol withdrawal and start a new life free from alcohol addiction, call PCP – The Perry Clayman Project today at 08000 380 480.