Most people who drink alcohol have experienced a few of the signs of withdrawal in the form of a hangover. Yet, serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms go far beyond feeling a little queasy and having a headache. Trying to quit alcohol on your own after you have been drinking heavily for a period of time can lead to dangerous symptoms that place your sobriety and life at risk. When you are wondering what are the signs that your body is detoxing from alcohol that require medical attention, it is likely that you already suspect that you may be at risk for having severe detox symptoms.
Although it is hard to predict who will have these severe symptoms, there are some common factors that can let you know if you might be someone who needs medical intervention. The most dangerous detox symptoms tend to occur in people with an alcohol addiction who drink heavily on a regular basis. You may also be at risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms if you have tried and failed to quit on your own before due to the severity of health changes such as shaking and nausea. Anyone who has every had an alcohol overdose should also seek medical assistance with quitting.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal?
The first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically appear within a few hours to a couple of days after you put down your first drink. General alcohol withdrawal symptoms include the following.
•headache
•nausea
•tremors, especially in your hands
•vomiting
•sweating
While some of these symptoms might occur in anyone after a round of heavy drinking, you do need to know that they can be extremely severe in people whose bodies are dependent upon alcohol. For instance, you might have persistent vomiting that poses a risk for you becoming dehydrated. Alternatively, you might find that your hands shake so bad that you cannot perform your normal daily activities. If your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your ability to function normally, then you need to seek medical attention right away. In some instances, these symptoms could cause you to give up your resolve and pick up another drink. They could also be the beginning of some of the worst withdrawal symptoms that you can experience.
What Is Delirium Tremens?
You’ve likely heard of delirium tremens before. This syndrome, which is also known as the DTs or shakes, consists of a range of extremely severe symptoms. Those symptoms can lead to a coma or even death. These symptoms can occur several days after you stop drinking, and your risk of developing this syndrome continues through the first week of withdrawal. Delirium tremens is considered to be a medical emergency, and you cannot try to continue withdrawing on your on at this point.
Delirium tremens causes a range of symptoms that include whole body tremors and seizures. People who are developing this syndrome also experience hallucinations that may generate a sense of fear and paranoia. You may find it impossible to sleep, or you may fall into a deep slumber that is parked by periods of restlessness. You may also experience a dangerously high fever or have changes in your blood pressure or heart rate that must be addressed by a medical professional.
What Does an Alcohol Medical Intervention Involve?
Medical intervention helps you to get through the most severe symptoms without risking your safety. When you enter a detox program, the medical intervention staff conducts a thorough physical exam and assessment of your symptoms. They will take note of any symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with your recovery. Once they have a firm idea of your current state of health, they can then use this information. That information can help to develop a treatment plan that keeps you safe and helps your body to begin the healing process.
During your time in detox, you may be provided with several different types of care to help you get through the first stage of recovery. In most cases, you will need to stay in inpatient care. Inpatient care requires you to spend the night at the facility. For severe and life-threatening symptoms, you may be given medication that helps you to feel better and get proper rest. You will also begin receiving therapeutic assistance with learning how to cope with the symptoms. Accompanied with that will help you find ways to end your addiction to alcohol.
The detox process is easier and safer when you have lots of support. Are you ready to begin your recovery? Give us a call today at 855-936-4435.
