Help4Addiction

Withdrawing from alcohol addiction safely

Table Of Contents

Withdrawing from alcohol addiction safely
Alcohol addiction does not happen overnight. Physical dependency on alcohol makes somebody an alcoholic. For instance, if they suffer from alcohol cravings and are drinking more each time to feel the effect, then they are considered an addict, and sadly 10% of those who drink end up as alcoholics.
When struggling with addiction, sobriety can seem almost impossible, but please know that help is always nearby and that change is always possible with the correct guidance and support. When trying to overcome an alcohol addiction, reducing alcohol intake gradually is hugely important. As tempting as it might be to try to give it up all in one go, going completely cold turkey can actually do the body more harm than good. Addiction is a dangerous road to go down, as it affects the body and mind in extreme ways. The condition itself and the journey to recovery can be exhausting and emotionally challenging. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the biggest thing people fear when giving up alcohol. Withdrawal happens when the body reacts to a decrease in the amount of alcohol in which the person is consuming. This can cause the body to react badly, as it has become so dependent on alcohol that it becomes unsure of how to function without it. These symptoms can be anything from headaches and anxiety to hallucinations and epileptic fits and can occur only six hours after a person consumes their last drink. Each person will react differently to alcohol withdrawal, and symptoms are dependent on certain factors, such as the amount they normally consume, how long they have been drinking and their medical history. Extreme symptoms, such as clinical depression, epileptic fits, paranoia and hallucinations can occur if the patient has been heavily dependent on alcohol for a very long time. Under the observation and care of the best rehabilitation centres, a patient’s treatment is carefully planned and monitored, ensuring the most effective and comfortable journey for them. Recovery tends to start with alcohol detox, followed by alcohol rehab. The idea of the detox is to cleanse the body from alcohol, followed by rehab pinpointing why they turned to alcohol in the first place. This method is also used to build up strength against relapse. Both stages of recovery are hugely important in this situation. The idea is that they work together to help recover and rebuild the mind and body. When it comes to alcohol addiction, both mind and body are taken over, which means withdrawal can be a challenging process. The physical damage must be fixed initially so that the body is strong enough to recover mentally. A lot of the time the detox part of recovery is very difficult, and can even be dangerous, which is why it is recommended to seek professional help to guide you throughout this journey effectively. Full withdrawal from alcohol will not happen immediately if done safely. It can take weeks or months depending on the severity of the addiction. The physical symptoms will diminish first, and normally so after a week or two. The psychological symptoms tend to last longer, so it is important to get therapy to help with this too, which in turn will help avoid relapse. Please note that this is not written from a medical point of view and that if you are looking to overcome an alcohol addiction, you should seek professional help.

About Author

Nicholas Conn

Nicholas Conn

Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.

Request A Callback

Receive a callback, we’re ready to help you get on the road to recovery.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
24/7 Helpline Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to provide the support you deserve, anytime, day or night.