The decision to quit drinking can be life-changing, especially when someone suffers from alcohol abuse or addiction. However, quitting alcohol cold turkey can cause withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe. In the most severe cases, withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening.
Fortunately, an alcohol addiction treatment center can help you or a loved one avoid the dangers of quitting alcohol cold turkey. Call Insight Recovery Centers today at 703.592.6946 to learn about our alcohol addiction treatment program and start recovering.
Alcoholism in the U.S.
Alcohol is ingrained in American culture. In good times and bad, Americans turn to alcohol. Following nicotine, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in our nation. Being legal and socially acceptable in almost all situations has led to Americans developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that usually starts at an early age.
While many problem drinkers live in denial, many others recognize the issue and make attempts to overcome it by trying to taper down their use or quitting alcohol cold turkey. However, the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal usually result in a quick return to drinking.
Quitting Alcohol: A Detox Timeline
At Insight Recovery Centers, we understand the difficulties of managing problem drinking without professional support. We also know the dangers of quitting alcohol cold turkey, especially for individuals who have a physical dependency or addiction.
The following is a look at the general alcohol detox timeline:
- Six hours after the last drink – Most consider this a hangover, where symptoms include headaches, dehydration, sweating, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
- 12 to 48 hours after the last drink – Mild symptoms continue, with the addition of more severe symptoms like abnormal breathing, increased blood pressure, confusion, or mild hypothermia. Those with severe addiction may experience seizures.
- 72 hours after the last drink – Moderate symptoms continue, and the risk of seizures increases. Delirium tremens (DTs), auditory or visual hallucinations, and disorientation are common.
Without professional intervention, some people can progress rapidly through these stages, posing threats to their health. The dangers of the alcohol detox process are exacerbated when individuals are addicted to other drugs or have co-occurring mental health concerns. At Insight Recovery Centers, we can help assess your level of drinking and determine which program best suits your needs.
What Is an Alcohol Moderation Program?
When it comes to alcohol consumption, it is essential to understand what moderation means. The standard of moderate drinking is one to two drinks per day for a healthy man and one drink per day for a healthy woman. A drink is considered 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or one-and-a-half ounces of liquor.
There has been a long-held belief in addiction recovery that total abstinence is the only option for individuals with any form of alcohol use disorder. This belief is the cornerstone of 12-step programs and the majority of substance abuse treatment centers.
Research shows that most people with alcohol problems are not addicted and can benefit from a professionally guided alcohol moderation program to discover whether or not moderate drinking is a realistic and attainable goal. Participants in an alcohol moderation program begin with a 30-day period of abstinence where they learn:
- How to take stock of alcohol consumption and its effects
- Assessing the pros and cons of their drinking
- How to reduce the risks and consequences of drinking
- How to cope with stress or difficult emotions without using alcohol as self-medication
- Healthy behaviors and activities to replace drinking
Identifying and managing triggers is another critical component to successful recovery.
Call Insight Recovery Centers Today to Start Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol addiction treatment programs have proven effective for individuals who have a problem with drinking. Contact Insight Recovery Centers today by calling 703.592.6946 or completing our online form to start your journey toward long-term sobriety.
