Alcohol Detoxification Symptoms
An individual who has stopped drinking alcohol "cold turkey" goes through a lot of withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to even fatal. These alcohol detoxification symptoms are usually more intense depending on how addicted to alcohol the individual was or is. Alcoholics who abruptly stop drinking alcohol are generally going to experience some physical discomfort.
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Common Symptoms
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For less dependent alcohol consumers, some common alcohol detoxification symptoms include mild ones such as getting the shakes, excessive sweating (particularly during the nighttime), nausea, vomiting, headaches, increased blood pressure and a faster heartbeat. These symptoms are uncomfortable but not necessarily harmful and are often joined by cravings for alcohol.
Serious Symptoms
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More serious alcohol detoxification symptoms include hallucinations and seizures. These can occur between 6 and 48 hours after abruptly stopping drinking. In general, the hallucinations are merely visual ones but can occasionally involve smells and sounds. These hallucinations can last between a few hours to even weeks at a time. During this time period, individuals might also experience seizures or convulsions. At this point, immediate medical treatment is necessary.
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Phenomenon of Craving
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As severe alcohol detoxification symptoms occur, the "phenomenon of craving" might start, which is an intense craving for alcohol. With this craving, the body is telling the individual that it needs alcohol immediately. At this point, to an alcoholic it might seem like the only way to alleviate this uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms is to have an alcoholic drink, which sets up the cycle of drinking yet again.
Delirious Tremens
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Serious withdrawal symptoms might turn into delirious tremens (DTs) after between three to five days of no alcohol consumption. Some typical DT symptoms include disorientation, being extremely confused and dazed, hyperactivity, cardiovascular disturbances, hallucination and shifts in breathing, temperature control and circulation. DTs can also lead to a racing heart and dramatic increase in the blood pressure, which can lead to dehydration.
Warning
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If you experience alcohol detoxification symptoms, especially severe ones, you should immediately contact a doctor or an alcohol detoxification center to receive the proper treatment your body needs. In many cases severe alcohol detoxification symptoms (especially during DTs) can lead to grand mal seizures, strokes and heart attacks.
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