Whether you are trying to get off alcohol or are trying to stop drinking altogether, there are several ways that you can do this. Some are self-detoxing at home, while others are undergoing treatment in an inpatient setting. Whichever you choose, you will need to learn about the different types of withdrawal symptoms. These include hallucinations, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Self-detoxing from alcohol at home
Getting sober from alcohol can be very difficult. It can be physically painful and emotionally challenging. You will need a support system to help you through this process.
You will need to take time away from work and responsibilities. You will need to avoid all alcoholic beverages in the home.
You will need to eat a healthy diet. The right amount of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals will help your body to recover from the effects of drinking. You should also get plenty of water.
If you are going through alcohol withdrawal, it is important to seek professional assistance. Your health care provider can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms and manage your cravings.
Self-detoxing in a residential inpatient setting
Using a medical detox program can ensure that you receive round-the-clock care during the withdrawal process. This can help prevent complications and reduce your chances of relapse. You'll be assessed for acute symptoms, and prescribed medications.
Getting detoxed is the first step towards recovering from alcohol abuse. You'll need to find a detoxification center in your area. Make sure they'll accept your insurance. It's also important to follow the doctor's advice, and not use a drug or substance that will interfere with the process.
You may want to keep a drink diary, either on paper or on a smartphone app. This helps you become more mindful of your alcohol intake and helps you become less reliant on alcohol.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Managing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) during alcohol detox is an important part of your recovery process. It can be a tough time and there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms. By recognizing your symptoms and taking control of them, you can minimize your chances of relapse.
While the exact cause of PAWS is unclear, it is thought to be due to the fact that the brain is still working to heal and rebalance its chemicals. These chemicals include endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones that counteract negative emotions and thoughts.
In addition to the physical symptoms of substance withdrawal, many recovering alcoholics experience intense mood swings and apathy. This may be due to a mood disorder, which is a common co-occurring disorder with addiction.
Hallucinations
Among the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are hallucinations. These symptoms are typically reported by 2% of drinkers. There are a variety of reasons for these hallucinations. The majority of individuals affected by hallucinations hear voices. In addition, some people experience visual or touch-based hallucinations.
In addition to alcoholic hallucinosis, some individuals who undergo detox may also suffer from delirium tremens (DTs). These symptoms are often frightening and can be treated with therapy, group therapy, or anti-seizure medication. They can be life-threatening.
DTs are characterized by body tremors, mental confusion, and blood pressure spikes. Treatment is usually in a hospital. Some DTs progress to tremors in the head and may eventually cause seizures.
Panic attacks
During the process of detoxing from alcohol, you may experience panic attacks. You might experience symptoms such as sweating, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
The good news is that you can stop or reduce the frequency of these attacks. A few simple steps can help.
One of the best ways to stop a panic attack is to practice controlled, slow breathing. You can also try meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxing activities.
A good place to start is to imagine yourself in a happy place. Your happy place might be a place you've been to before, a scenic view, or someone you love.
Anxiety
During the course of alcohol abuse, the body undergoes a number of physiological changes. For example, alcohol causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, resulting in the formation of testosterone. Drinking alcohol in excess also causes irregular menstrual cycles. Lastly, prolonged alcohol consumption depletes the body of nutrients, including vitamins.
The best way to deal with alcohol is to enlist the help of a professional. The best treatment centers offer a multi-pronged approach to treating alcoholism, ranging from supervised withdrawal to holistic treatments. The most common symptoms are sleeplessness, shakiness, anxiety, mood swings, and cravings.
A medically supervised detox is the most effective way to treat these symptoms. Medications can also be used to treat the more pronounced ones.
