Alcohol withdrawal – the first days of fighting withdrawal syndrome

TL;DR

Alcohol withdrawal is a difficult but crucial step in addiction treatment, requiring professional support due to the risk of withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms can appear as early as 6 hours and include tremors, insomnia, anxiety, delirium, irritability, and depressive states. After 2 weeks, metabolic changes, insomnia, apathy, and aggression may occur, so detox should take place under medical supervision. Over time, the body begins to regenerate – metabolism, liver function, blood pressure, immunity, and overall well-being improve. Benefits of alcohol withdrawal also include better sleep, skin appearance, weight loss, improved memory and mood, as well as reduced disease risk. Therapeutic support is essential for maintaining sobriety – psychotherapy, support groups, and individual approach increase chances of success. Professional detox and therapy help safely get through the most difficult days of abstinence and begin a new stage of life without alcohol.

Starting the alcohol withdrawal process

The decision to stop drinking alcohol is the first step on the road to recovery. Ethanol quickly causes addiction and is not indifferent to our body. It should be noted that sudden alcohol withdrawal is accompanied by withdrawal syndrome. This condition can be dangerous for the addicted person. The first symptoms appear after about 6 hours from withdrawal and may persist. The first days of alcohol withdrawal are crucial, as it is during this time that the addicted person may experience the greatest number of withdrawal syndrome symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal requires courage and determination, but above all professional support that will help safely get through this difficult time. An alcoholic who decides to stop consuming alcoholic beverages may initially feel relief and hope for a better tomorrow. However, changes begin to occur in the body that can lead to the appearance of various alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification process is individual for each addicted person and depends on many factors, such as the duration of addiction, the amount of alcohol consumed, or health condition. Trust the specialists:

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Alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the first days of alcoholic withdrawal syndrome

The symptom that appears first is usually anxiety and hand tremors. Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome can also manifest as headaches, insomnia, nausea, or vomiting. In extreme cases, delirium appears, also called alcoholic hallucinosis, which requires immediate medical intervention. Alcoholism is an addiction that has an enormous impact on the body's functioning. After stopping alcohol consumption, the body begins to cleanse itself, which is associated with the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. This is a reaction to the absence of the substance it was accustomed to. In the first days of abstinence, concentration problems, irritability, and even blood pressure changes may also occur. All of these are symptoms that may signal withdrawal syndrome.

Consequences accompanying alcohol withdrawal after 2 weeks:

• weakening of metabolism,

• less energy,

• depressive states and apathy,

• insomnia,

• aggressive behavior.

It often happens that the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are so strong for addicted people that already at this stage of fighting addiction, they negate attempts to stop drinking. In the case of people addicted to alcohol, sudden withdrawal of ethyl alcohol without medical support is not recommended. Withdrawal syndrome symptoms may be too strong. If an alcoholic wants to restore sobriety, a better solution is professional alcohol detox. Alcohol detoxification, which is responsible for cleansing the body of harmful toxins and simultaneously helps cope with alcoholic withdrawal syndrome. It should be noted that for people struggling with addiction, maintaining abstinence is completely different than when stopping drinking by healthy people.

Changes in the body after alcohol withdrawal

When alcohol consumption is interrupted, the body begins the detoxification process. In the first period, known as the acute withdrawal phase, symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, and even stroke may appear. The body, which was accustomed to regular alcohol supply, must relearn to function without it. Among other changes we can distinguish:

• improvement of metabolism

• improvement of liver function, which becomes less susceptible to cirrhosis and fatty liver

• lowering of blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels

• reduction of blood glucose levels

• improvement of digestion

• increase in immunity

Changes in the body after alcohol withdrawal are complex and concern both the physical and mental sphere. At the physical level, the body may react in a way that makes the addicted person feel sick. Mental changes, in turn, may manifest as mood swings, anxiety, or depression. It's important to be aware that these symptoms are a normal part of the alcohol withdrawal process and should subside over time. Therapist help and medical support are invaluable in this difficult struggle. It's also worth remembering that sobriety is not only an investment in mental state, but also a big saving when it comes to daily expenses. Giving up drinking has definite advantages. However, addicted people should decide on this only after consulting a doctor. Overcoming alcoholic withdrawal syndrome will allow you to return to normal functioning.

Benefits of alcohol withdrawal

Although the first days after stopping drinking may be difficult, alcohol withdrawal brings significant benefits for the health and life of the addicted person. Improvement of overall health, including:

• Improved sleep quality – It's usually said that alcohol causes drowsiness and makes it easier to fall asleep. Unfortunately, one often feels more tired. Studies show that alcohol withdrawal causes sleep to become more qualitative and efficient – thanks to this, it better regenerates and more strongly relaxes, giving energy for the whole day.

• Better skin condition – Alcohol causes the skin to be more dried out, dull, and prone to imperfections. Pigmentation spots and redness also appear on the face. Due to stopping drinking, the skin is more radiant, supple, and better hydrated.

• Weight loss – Pure alcohol, or consumed in the form of drinks, is caloric. Eliminating alcohol from the daily diet means we get rid of empty calories. Thanks to this, you can lose even 3-4 kilograms.

• Greater focus, memory, and creativity – Drinking causes distraction. Large amounts of alcohol can cause memory lapses and lead to so-called blackouts. Thanks to abstinence, we will effectively deal with this. A person acts more efficiently, faster, and has more ideas worth implementing.

• Overall mood improvement – The reaction after drinking alcohol can be different for each person. Often, however, excessive alcohol consumption affects the nervous system and results in aggression and anger. It also intensifies depressive states. Stopping alcohol and giving it up reduces the likelihood of changes in the nervous system and mood deterioration without a specific reason.

Sobriety allows rebuilding relationships with loved ones, improving one's professional situation, and regaining self-confidence. The benefits of alcohol withdrawal are both immediate and long-term, which makes the effort of withdrawal worthwhile. One cannot forget about health benefits such as reducing the risk of liver, heart, and nervous system diseases. Alcohol withdrawal also means reducing the risk of stroke and other serious diseases. Even a 30-day break from drinking causes many positive changes and limits the risk of circulatory system problems. Studies confirm, however, that giving up alcohol is good for brain function and also other organs. Although withdrawal syndrome can be hard to endure, especially in the case of an advanced alcoholic, it will definitely have a positive effect on the fight against alcohol and the condition of the entire body.

Therapist support in the first days of alcohol withdrawal

A person addicted to alcohol should not go through the withdrawal process alone. Therapist support is invaluable, especially in the first days when alcohol withdrawal symptoms are most intense. Professional help allows safe passage through this difficult period and minimizes the risk of complications. The therapist can also suggest various forms of therapy that will support the person in maintaining abstinence and coping with the desire to return to drinking. Psychotherapy, group support, or occupational therapy are just some of the available options that can help maintain sobriety. At Nasz Gabinet, we specialize in treating alcoholism and offer comprehensive help to people wanting to end their addiction. Our team consists of experienced therapists who support patients every day on the path to sober living.

Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal – the first days can be challenging, however with appropriate support and determination, every addicted person can emerge from addiction victoriously. Withdrawal syndrome, although difficult, is transient, and the benefits of sobriety are invaluable. Nasz Gabinet is a place where every alcoholic will find professional help and support at every stage of alcoholism treatment. If you or someone close is struggling with an alcohol problem, don't delay. Contact us today to begin the path to health and a better life.

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