Alcohol addiction can affect anyone. It’s easy for social drinking to develop into habitual drinking and addiction without realizing it. Unfortunately, despite being legal, alcohol is addictive. For many, one of the first signs of alcohol addiction is withdrawal. Sometimes, this causes lasting symptoms called post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. A medical detox program is the best way to cope with withdrawal and avoid relapse. Luckily, today there are programs across the US and right here in Waltham prepared to help people safely and effectively detox from alcohol.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse and want to quit drinking, seek an alcohol detox in Waltham, MA now. There are many ways to manage alcohol withdrawal. Do not attempt to quit using alcohol without medical and psychiatric support.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Withdrawal
Consistent drinking can lead to addiction. When the brain and body become addicted to alcohol, a person will experience withdrawal when alcohol leaves their system. Withdrawal is different for everyone. The more often someone drinks, and the longer they consistently drink, the more severe their symptoms may be. Physical signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Bloodshot eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Many people who use alcohol habitually become used to these symptoms. However, as time goes on, it becomes more difficult to escape alcohol addiction because of the potential withdrawal symptoms. As such, they may refuse to see treatment, which can only worsen their condition. It is often necessary to find a professional alcohol addiction treatment program.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse and Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
While withdrawal is the body’s natural response to alcohol dependency, it can lead to long-term symptoms in need of treatment. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also called PAWS, is a common syndrome that occurs when the body becomes dependent on alcohol. For some people, post-acute withdrawal can happen quickly and persist for months. Because alcohol slows communication pathways from the brain to body and releases certain chemicals, the brain and body often come to depend on these chemicals with habitual and addictive drinking. It can take months for the brain to make its own chemicals again. This can lead to recurrent symptoms. For many, PAWS can be discouraging and lead to relapse without medical and psychiatric support from alcohol rehab.
Persistent alcohol use can also lead to more dangerous symptoms. DT, another serious withdrawal condition, can develop with long and short-term alcohol abuse. DT causes a person to go in and out of consciousness for several days or weeks. DT can be fatal or result in long-term hospitalization without immediate medical support.
Prevent Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms with Medical Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is the safest way to overcome alcohol addiction without adverse effects. Medical detox provides clients with comprehensive medical and psychiatric care. By using medications, supplements, and nutrition, managing alcohol withdrawal is less painful and offers better results. Those who use medical detox are more likely to finish rehab and less likely to relapse or overdose. Because alcohol can cause adverse health effects and damage organ systems, it’s important to work with a medical detox program for optimal health.
Most medical detox programs include dual diagnosis. For alcohol abuse, dual diagnosis can help uncover, diagnose, and treat mood disorders and unprocessed trauma. Through therapy and medication management, clinicians can help clients balance mood and reduce addiction triggers.
Find the Right Alcohol Detox Program for You Today in Massachusetts
If you are struggling, don’t wait to get help. Know you are not alone and should not attempt detox from alcohol at home. Avoid relapse, overdose, and alcohol related complications with a local detox center in Waltham and begin medical detox now.