Withdrawal is what happens to the body when you stop using a substance you have grown physically dependent on. This can be anything from alcohol to cocaine. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable. However, it is a necessary part of getting clean. If you have suffered from alcohol dependency, what alcohol withdrawal symptoms can you expect when you stop drinking?
Detox the Right Way
First, there is more than one way to detox, which is the process of addictive substances leaving the body. The safest way to detox is in a facility dedicated to detoxing clients. There, medical professionals provide constant supervision, keeping clients healthy and secure.
At-home detox is not recommended, particularly for someone who has a long-term dependency. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, even life-threatening.
After you detox in a qualified facility, you will then be ready to move into the next phase of rehab in preparation for your new, sober life.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect
After you take your last drink, withdrawal symptoms may begin within several hours. There are three stages of withdrawal, ranging from mild to severe. If your alcohol dependency is slight, you may only feel the effects in phase one. Long-term drinkers may fall into stage three.
Other factors go into your withdrawal experience. These include your age, whether you used other substances, and your genetic makeup. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
- First stage: Nausea, anxiety, stomach cramps, and insomnia
- Second stage: Confusion, sweats, irritability, and high blood pressure
- Third stage: Fever, hallucinations, and severe agitation
The worst part of detox is usually between days one and three. After about a week, you will feel better. However, if you drank heavily for years, you may still feel some mild effects weeks later, including cravings.
Remember that detox is only one step in recovery. To increase chances of lasting sobriety, it is essential to find a quality rehab treatment program. There, skilled professionals can guide you toward a sober life with individual counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning.
If you are looking for an alcohol rehab for women in NC, The Willows may be the solution for you or a loved one.
Recover and Feel at Home at The Willows
At The Willows, we provide substance abuse treatment for young women who want to make positive changes in their lives. We are located on an old horse farm in Fairview, North Carolina, giving our clients the ideal tranquil backdrop in which to recover.
Our addiction treatment services include:
- Partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment
- Trauma therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Aftercare program
Our compassionate team focuses heavily on factors that often influence substance abuse, such as eating disorders and mental health issues. Don’t let alcohol withdrawal symptoms stop you from finding the recovery you deserve. If you or a loved one needs treatment for drug and alcohol dependency, call us today for help at 855-773-0614.
