Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when individuals who have been consuming large amounts of alcohol abruptly stop or significantly reduce their intake. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. They may also be life-threatening without supervised detox treatment.

As such, it is vital to seek medically supervised detox and addiction treatment. Doing so helps pave the path to a successful recovery journey, a brighter future, and a renewed relationship with God.

Alcoholism Overview

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease. It is the inability to control or stop drinking despite any negative consequences. It is considered a complex condition influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

Individuals with alcoholism often develop tolerance the more they drink. This results in needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effects. When not drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms is common. Over time, the more one drinks, the more dependence increases, which leads to addiction. Alcoholism also leads to physical and mental health problems.

Alcoholism treatment involves detox, individual and group therapy, renewing one’s faith in God through fellowship, and using medications when appropriate. Seeking help prevents further complications associated with untreated alcohol use disorder.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Signs of alcohol abuse can vary from person to person, but some common indicators may include:

Increased frequency of drinking or consuming larger amounts than intended
Being unable to limit or control alcohol consumption
Drinking alone or in secrecy
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking
Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences on relationships and health
Experiencing blackouts or memory lapses related to alcohol use
Craving alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol
Needing to drink more to achieve the desired effect
Looking forward to drinking

Filling a Void with Alcohol

Some people turn to alcohol to fill a void in their lives to cope with emotional, psychological, social, or spiritual needs. They rely on alcohol to escape feeling lonely or to alleviate stress, anxiety, or depression. They may also use alcohol to numb emotions and experience short periods of comfort and relaxation.

However, while alcohol initially seems like a good solution, it becomes problematic because it is not a long-term solution. Continued drinking leads to addiction and can make this void seem even bigger. It is better to renew one’s faith in God and Jesus and find other productive means to fill this void.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary in severity and duration. They depend on factors such as the amount consumed, frequency of use, and duration of use. Alcohol withdrawal usually begins within hours after reducing or stopping alcohol intake.

The timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be broken down into stages:

Early stage (6-12 hours): Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
Peak stage (24-72 hours): Symptoms worsen during this period and could include hallucinations, confusion, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, and sweating.
Late stage (After 72 hours): Delirium Tremens (DTs) occurs in severe cases. Symptoms may include extreme confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and extreme cravings for alcohol.

Usually, after 72 hours, the symptoms will peak and gradually subside over the next several days. Most people will complete a physical detox from alcohol in about a week. However, psychological withdrawal symptoms can remain, which is called PAWS.

PAWS and Alcohol Withdrawal

PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) is a condition that can occur in individuals recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. PAWS is a prolonged period of psychological withdrawal symptoms that persist beyond the physical withdrawal period.

These symptoms may include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. PAWS can last for weeks or even months and can make maintaining sobriety more challenging.

Understanding Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in some individuals during alcohol withdrawal. It typically manifests within 2 to 4 days after the last drink but may also appear later.

DT symptoms include severe confusion, hallucinations, agitation, fever, rapid heartbeat, sweating, high blood pressure, and seizures. The condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or death.

Our Residential Recovery Program for Alcoholism

Our residential faith-based recovery program for alcoholism provides a holistic approach to healing and recovery. It addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Through a combination of evidence-based treatments and faith-centered practices, we support individuals in overcoming their struggles with alcoholism.

In our program, participants engage in individual and group counseling sessions, educational workshops, and fitness activities. Additionally, they will participate in daily devotionals, prayer, and Bible study sessions. These faith-based activities help restore one’s connection with God and Jesus and promote long-term sobriety. We believe integrating faith into recovery gives individuals hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

Finding the Way Back to God

Finding the way back to God after struggling with alcoholism is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It helps someone recognize the pain and emptiness that addiction has brought into their life. It enables someone to realize the importance of turning to a higher power for guidance.

During recovery, it is important to embrace humility and repentance and seek forgiveness from those hurt due to addiction. Spending time daily in prayer, reflection, and meditation is equally important to foster a deeper connection with God.

Fellowship and Counseling

Fellowship and counseling are essential components for successful recovery. Someone will also want to surround themselves with peers who will support them. Join a faith community or faith-based recovery group that shares their values and beliefs. This provides them with encouragement, accountability, and fellowship on their journey toward spiritual renewal.

Start Detox and Overcome Alcoholism in Nashville, TN Today

Ready to start your detox and overcome alcoholism in Nashville, TN? Contact Spring2Life Recovery today to take the first step toward a life of healing and renewal. Our faith-based approach offers personalized detox and treatment programs with caring, compassionate, and comprehensive support.