Life After Alcohol Detox: What Happens and What to Do

Because of the long half-life of these medications, withdrawal is smoother, and rebound withdrawal symptoms are less likely to occur. Lorazepam and oxazepam are intermediate-acting medications with excellent records of efficacy. Treatment with these agents may be preferable in patients who metabolize medications less effectively, particularly the elderly and those with liver failure. Lorazepam is the only benzodiazepine with predictable intramuscular absorption .

• As with other addictions, alcohol dependency can negatively affect a person’s life.
• When this happens, your central nervous system can no longer adapt easily to the lack of alcohol.
• This tightness is normally side effects of heart damage from excessive alcohol use.
• They should also make sure you attend your counseling appointments and visit the doctor regularly for any routine blood tests that may be ordered.
• When chronic heavy drinking is suddenly stopped, dopamine production also halts, causing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Delirium tremens —these symptoms usually appear hours after heavy drinking has ceased. They typically continue for 3-4 days though they may last up to 8 days.

Mild, Moderate, and Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Delirium tremens is a condition which characterizes extreme alcohol withdrawal. Delirium tremens (the “DTs”) is potentially fatal because it can cause seizures. About 1 in every 20 people who experience alcohol withdrawal will also suffer delirium tremens. The condition is most likely to occur in people who are severely addicted to alcohol and have experienced alcohol withdrawal in the past. When a person decides to quit drinking, they should consider seeking professional help. This help may take the form of rehab or working with medical professionals to reduce alcohol consumption gradually over the course of a few weeks. If a person slowly detoxes, they may be able to avoid the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Know more on, rehabs

If you’re prescribed a medication from this class of drugs talk with your doctor about the risks before taking them and always alcohol detox side effects follow the doctor’s instructions. The first goal of treatment is to keep you comfortable by managing your symptoms.

The Biochemistry of Alcohol Withdrawal

They also monitor their patients’ blood pressure and other vital signs and make sure they stay hydrated. After the initial alcohol withdrawal symptoms have subsided, some people may experience prolonged side effects. This phase is less common and is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome . PAWS involves withdrawal symptoms that occur after acute withdrawal and can make post-rehab life challenging for some individuals. Depending on the severity of your alcohol abuse, PAWS can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.