Once a body reliant on alcohol no longer has the substance, that body will go through a series of changes. Alcohol is poisonous to the human body, Dr. Robert Schwartz of the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine told LiveScience.com. Consuming alcohol can cause changes to a person’s metabolism and central nervous system. The average cost is $13, 475, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. For instance, some 30-day inpatient programs cost $5,000, while others may cost $20,000.
- Someone at an addiction center can also be monitored for problems during the detoxification process.
- If you have alcohol use disorder and want help, a healthcare provider can guide you to resources and rehabilitation programs to help you quit.
- Individuals over 30 with a history of multiple detox attempts or co-occurring health issues are at higher risk.
- Medical detoxification protocols, such as the use of benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam 10–20 mg every 6 hours, titrated to symptoms), reduce seizure risk by 80%.
- Medical supervision is essential for preventing fatal outcomes, especially in cases of severe alcohol dependence.
Medical Detoxification
Benzodiazepines help reduce seizure risks and anxiety, while anti-nausea medications address gastrointestinal distress. Mild withdrawal can last 2–4 days, while more severe cases can last up to a week. Symptoms may include anxiety, shaking, sweating, nausea, insomnia, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which require immediate medical care. Yes, alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and it’s one of the most serious complications of stopping alcohol use suddenly after heavy or long-term use.
How long do alcohol withdrawal symptoms last?
Although benzodiazepines are the primary drug treatment for alcohol withdrawal, your doctor may also use other drugs alongside them. This can include drugs like clonidine (Catapres) and haloperidol (Haldol). The mortality rate for delirium tremens, the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, is around 37% without treatment. Once medical professionals have addressed all immediate risks to the person, outpatient care can begin. This may include visiting support groups and having regular check-in meetings with a healthcare professional. These symptoms can sometimes progress to more serious issues, such as hallucinations and alcohol withdrawal seizures.
Who Is Most at Risk in Great Britain?
Death, coma, and seizures are some of the most serious risks those with alcohol dependence might face when going through an alcohol withdrawal. This is why going through alcohol withdrawal in a supervised environment, such as a detox program at an addiction treatment center, can be so vital. Psychological and social support are equally important in preventing fatal outcomes. Withdrawal can be emotionally and mentally challenging, increasing the Alcohol Withdrawal risk of relapse or self-harm.
Treatment can lessen these symptoms and help prevent harmful outcomes. The severity of withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as the duration and amount of alcohol consumption, individual health, and any history of previous withdrawals. Regardless of how long a person struggles with alcohol addiction, they will experience some symptoms. How severe these symptoms are or how many symptoms a person will experience varies. But around 6% of all US adults will develop dependence and full-blown addiction to alcohol. In addition, more adult men than women struggle with alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
- South Dakota, New Mexico, and Wyoming have the highest per-capita death rates, while Hawaii, New Jersey, and Maryland have the lowest per-capita rates.
- Individuals with alcohol use disorder should be encouraged to taper their alcohol intake under medical guidance rather than quitting abruptly, as this can reduce the severity of withdrawal.
- This can help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain prolonged sobriety.
Without treatment, symptoms can rapidly worsen, leading to seizures, severe dehydration, and cardiovascular collapse. One of the most fatal complications is hyperthermia, where body temperature rises dangerously, coupled with irregular heart rhythms. These physiological disruptions can result in multi-organ failure, making DTs a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
