Alcohol Withdrawal in Knoxville, TN (877) 804-1531
Alcohol abuse and alcohol addictions are two common yet serious problems for many people. And of all of those people dealing with alcohol addictions, many will try to overcome their disease at home rather than in a treatment center. However, this vastly underestimates the power and potential severity of alcohol withdrawal in Knoxville. Only in a treatment center can a person suffering from an alcohol addiction be sure that they can safely and successfully handle alcohol withdrawal and continue on in the alcoholism recovery process. At Alcohol Treatment Centers Knoxville we can get you the help you need to find the proper rehab center, just call (877) 804-1531.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the reaction that occurs in the body and mind when it is addicted to alcohol and denied access to the substance. This can occur even when a person is not attempting to detox from alcohol and they just accidentally do not consume alcohol with the frequency their body has come to expect. When a person is addicted to alcohol, this generally is about eight hours after their first use.
What Causes Withdrawal From Alcohol?
The withdrawal that people experience from alcohol occurs as the result of the physical addiction, or chemical dependence, they have developed to alcohol. This chemical dependency occurs based on the reaction that alcohol has with the brain and nervous system when it enters the body. Once alcohol hits the bloodstream it heads to work signaling the brain to release dopamine while simultaneously suppressing many actions of the nervous system. This combination of reactions is responsible for the contentment people feel when they first start consuming alcohol as well as the sense of relaxation.
When alcohol is consumed in large quantities and in high frequency (alcohol abuse), the brain and nervous system adjust to the regular influx of alcohol by learning to only perform certain actions when alcohol tell them to do so. This change in the basic functions and chemistry of the brain and nervous system is a physical addiction.
Thus, when the brain and nervous system are expecting to receive signals from alcohol to perform needed functions and do not receive those messages, they begin to react negatively. This is alcohol withdrawal in Knoxville.
Does Every Addict Experience Withdrawal?
To keep things simple, every person addicted to alcohol experiences some form of withdrawal from alcohol. The extent and severity of the withdrawal symptoms can vary widely from barely noticeable (admittedly rare) to severe and potentially life- threatening. It is also important to note that if a person is addicted, begins recovery and/or completes recovery, and then goes through withdrawal again, that the symptoms can also vary widely between withdrawal experiences.
How Long Does Withdrawal Last?
Withdrawal typically begins around eight hours after the person last consumed alcohol. The symptoms often peak between 24 and 72 hours and taper off from there. However, there is no set schedule for when withdrawal symptoms go away entirely. It is possible that they will last for several weeks.
The Symptoms of Withdrawal
Physical
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Cold sweats
- Diarrhea
Mental
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Anger
- Aggression
Major Symptoms
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Hallucinations
- Fever
Why Should One Seek Medical Detox For Alcoholism?
Medical detox is a form of addiction treatment in which a person goes about the task of getting the addicted substance out of their body under medical care and supervision. This ensures that if severe withdrawal symptoms arise, they can be dealt with immediately. Medical detox can also help a person recovering from an alcohol addiction to detox slowly and gradually through the help of prescription drugs given by doctors at specific times in the detox process. This eases withdrawals and helps to prevent the body from going into shock.
Why Is Residential Treatment Better For Alcohol Addiction?
Residential treatment for alcohol addiction is the best option because a person can treat their physical addiction to alcohol in medical detox and immediately follow it up with treatments for their mental addiction to alcohol. The lack of gap between the types of treatment ensures that the person will not relapse before they confront and overcome both sides of their alcohol addiction.
If you or someone you care about needs treatment for their alcohol dependence, contact Alcohol Treatment Center Knoxville at (877) 804-1531 to find out more about treatment options.