One of the hardest parts of recovery is the withdrawal period. When a person has become dependent on alcohol and suddenly stops, they could have severe symptoms. Often a person will relapse because the symptoms are too difficult to handle. It is important to get help as soon as you quit alcohol to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
One of the ways to help go through the recovery process while minimizing the effects of alcohol withdrawal is by joining an outpatient alcohol addiction treatment program. This program will help you go through your recovery journey safely and effectively and reduce the chances of relapsing. To get more information on outpatient alcohol addiction programs, contact Insight Recovery Centers at 703.592.6946.
Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on your alcohol dependency level. The longer a person has been drinking heavily, the more likely they will develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome, an intense symptom after someone stops drinking alcohol.
There are three stages of alcohol withdrawal. Because everyone is different, each person will have different experiences. The stages of alcohol withdrawal are:
Stage 1
The symptoms in this stage are typically milder than the other stages. They are experienced very soon after you stop drinking. Signs that you are in this phase include:
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Nausea
These symptoms can happen to most people, even if they do not drink alcohol often. For some, these symptoms will disappear quickly, but they may become persistent for others.
Stage 2
These symptoms are more intense than the first stage and also more dangerous. They occur about 24 hours after a person has stopped drinking. Symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
It is also possible to experience these symptoms alongside the symptoms from stage one. Because these symptoms are more directly physical, it’s important to be aware of them to get help immediately.
Stage 3
The symptoms of stage three are the most severe and are found most commonly in people who have a strong alcohol dependency. They typically occur about 48 hours after your last drink. Signs of this stage are:
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
Not everyone will experience every symptom, and some factors play a role in how each stage affects people, such as how much and how often someone drinks, mental health, and any other substances involved.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
If you have been drinking alcohol heavily and often, you may develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This is a series of symptoms that occur for a long period after the withdrawal period has started. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months. The signs of this include:
- Irritability
- Memory Issues
- Anxiety
- Poor sleep habits
- Low cognitive abilities
It is important to seek help if you struggle with these signs. These symptoms can not only hinder your ability to do normal daily tasks, but they can also lead to relapsing, especially if they are severe. While these symptoms will eventually subside, you should still consider getting treatment to prevent any symptoms from worsening or relapsing.
Getting Treatment at Insight Recovery Centers
At Insight Recovery Centers, we are committed to giving our clients the best care for their recovery journey. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction or withdrawal, consider joining our outpatient alcohol addiction program. Our team will help you go through the recovery process and give you the help you need after undergoing treatment.
When you are struggling with an addiction, it is important to get help as soon as possible. If you or a loved one needs treatment, contact us to see what we can do for you at 703.592.6946.
