Alcohol affects the lives of millions of Americans. Because alcohol is legal, easy to get, and a significant part of American social lives, it may seem less harmful than illicit or prescription drugs. Unfortunately, alcohol can be just as addictive and harmful to a person’s health and wellbeing. It can also be hard to find support and ask for help when living with alcohol addiction. An alcohol addiction treatment program is the safest way to manage and treat alcohol withdrawal.
If you’re struggling to overcome alcohol use and manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome, the team at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our North Carolina clinic provides comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment to help clients regain control of their lives. Call us now at 828.382.9699 to get started.
Understanding Alcohol Dependency and Addiction
Sometimes, it’s hard to know when social or casual drinking becomes habitual. Frequent drinking and drinking as stress relief or daily ritual, like a glass of wine or beer after work, can be signs of habitual drinking. Unfortunately, habitual drinking can quickly become an addiction, especially when faced with situations such as:
- Ongoing stress
- Unresolved trauma
- Major life changes
When the brain becomes dependent on alcohol, it relies on alcohol for certain chemical processes. This leads to alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol leaves the bloodstream. These symptoms may feel like a hangover but persist as cravings intensify.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Withdrawal symptoms can be mentally, emotionally, and physically painful. When the brain and body become addicted to alcohol, willpower is often insufficient to keep someone from drinking again. Signs of withdrawal include:
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Irritability or mood swings
- Alcohol cravings
- Tremors and uncontrolled shaking
- Changes in appetite
- Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
- Memory problems
Alcohol changes levels of necessary chemicals for a balanced mood. As a depressant, it can increase depression, mood swings, and related symptoms, especially during withdrawal. This can lead to intense feelings of hopelessness and self-harm. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can cause seizures, confusion, and loss of consciousness if left untreated. This can be especially dangerous for those who stop drinking cold turkey without medical support. Once someone loses consciousness, they can no longer seek medical attention.
Because alcohol dehydrates the body, it’s essential to seek detox treatment to help balance electrolytes and restore nutrition. Low electrolyte levels can mimic withdrawal symptoms or cause other health problems. For some, withdrawal symptoms can persist or reoccur for months after they’ve stopped drinking. This is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. Living with PAWS can be discouraging, confusing, and harmful to a person’s health without medical intervention.
Treat Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can lead many people to relapse. During a relapse, a person is at greater risk for alcohol overdose and death. If you or someone you love needs support for alcohol withdrawal treatment, call Red Oak Recovery® today. Our addiction treatment programs help clients struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. With a range of treatment programs for men, our treatment center focuses on effective and holistic treatments, including evidence-based therapy. We also offer stress reduction to help clients manage life after alcohol detox. With a range of therapies including individual, group, family, CBT, and DBT, Red Oak Recovery® helps clients get to the root cause of alcohol addiction and find the tools they need to manage long-term sobriety.
Start Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Red Oak Recovery® Today
Don’t let alcohol withdrawal symptoms take over your life. Call Red Oak Recovery® today to find the right treatment program for you. Reach our staff now at 828.382.9699 to learn more about our alcohol withdrawal treatment programs.
