Alcoholism is a very powerful illness that can take over your entire body once it is constantly in your bloodstream. The body becomes so adjusted to having alcohol in the system that without it, it cannot function as it normally would. This is what causes withdrawal symptoms as someone attempts to quit drinking “cold turkey” and their body is no longer receiving doses of the drug it relies on so heavily. Withdrawal can be quite dangerous in fact because the body becomes so dependent on having alcohol in its system that it can shut down in ways that are fatal at times. With treatment at detox programs however, withdrawal symptoms can be minimized and in some cases eliminated.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to very severe depending on how long a person has been drinking and the quantity that they normally drink. Mild symptoms include nervousness, anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing and fatigue. More moderate symptoms include physical problems like vomiting, insomnia, tremor, sweating and loss of appetite. If a person has been drinking heavily for many years symptoms can become very intense with hallucinations, convulsions or black out. The more severe symptoms should be treated professionally but anyone that attempts to quit drinking should consult a doctor even if they have not been an alcoholic for very long.

In order to minimize and avoid withdrawal symptoms as much as possible, detox programs can provide different types of services depending on how intense your withdrawal symptoms will be. Mild symptoms can be monitored with a staff member to ensure that your heart rate, temperature and blood pressure are at a secure level and you have enough fluids in your body to be safe. For more moderate or severe symptoms you can be treated with medication or even be sedated if the symptoms become life-threatening. Detox staff are experienced in dealing with all the various stages of withdrawal and can make sure that your safety and health are intact throughout the entire experience.