Alcohol withdrawal is the body’s response to suddenly stopping alcohol intake. If you have never experienced withdrawal before, you’re likely unprepared for how physically and emotionally draining it can be. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can also be fatal.
Dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms is not something you should tackle on your own. Even if you can afford to pay for superior hospital treatment, it is not a substitute for having the support of your loved ones and a support team that can prepare you for the process of withdrawal.
The Process of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol dependence disrupts the brain’s chemical balance. When you stop drinking suddenly, the brain falters and struggles to continue functioning normally. This malfunction affects your behaviour and thoughts. It is also why withdrawal happens.
The longer you drink consistently, the more severe your withdrawal symptoms will likely be. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it may complicate the withdrawal process. Furthermore, if you are an older adult, you are at a higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
Preparing a Crisis Plan
It is crucial to set up and follow a crisis plan if you believe you will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the coming days.
If you have gone through a withdrawal process before, list the symptoms you experienced, as you are likely to experience them again. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cravings (for alcohol)
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
These symptoms are referred to as ‘mild’ and usually appear within 6 to 12 hours after you consume your last drink.
Severe symptoms include tremors, delirium tremens (DTs), hallucinations, and seizures. They could appear within 24 to 48 hours after your last drink and will likely escalate into a medical emergency.
You must include your triggers in your crisis plan. This could be anything from boredom to social pressure to emotional stress. Knowing your triggers, you can proactively avoid them or develop coping mechanisms for overcoming them.
This will help prevent you from experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms multiple times. Repeated periods of heavy drinking followed by repeated periods of withdrawal results in extreme brain function alteration.
Creating a Support Network
You need practical and emotional support during withdrawal. This means having a medical professional available to administer medication and monitor your symptoms.
It is advisable to have a therapist on standby to address emotional triggers for your drinking habits. A therapist will also guide you through the inevitable cravings you will experience during the withdrawal process.
Allow your family and friends to support you. Identify a group that understands your situation and will offer encouragement while holding you accountable for your actions.
Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
During the alcohol withdrawal process, you and your support network, especially your loved ones, may worry about your physical health and well-being.
Stay hydrated throughout your symptoms and eat nourishing foods. Stock up on comfort items that may help you manage milder symptoms like headaches and insomnia.
Consider engaging in relaxation and stress management activities if your symptoms remain mild. These may include deep breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga.
If you feel up to it, consider activities that allow you to focus on something creative, like writing in a journal or art therapy. This distraction can help you overcome the worst of your symptoms and make you feel like you have accomplished something simultaneously.
Taking Control of the Withdrawal Process
Your support network is there to help you take control of the alcohol withdrawal process. If you experience only mild symptoms, your network’s job will be to monitor your recovery.
However, if your symptoms intensify or you feel you cannot overcome a strong craving, you need extra help. Reach out to your network and let them know that you are struggling. This will allow you to get the help you need.
Moreover, if your withdrawal symptoms evolve into serious manifestations like hallucinations, confusion, or seizures, your network should not hesitate to call emergency services.
Taking Control of Your Recovery
The alcohol withdrawal process can make you feel like you are losing control. However, you can take several steps to feel more empowered.
It is important to educate yourself about alcohol withdrawal and how long the recovery process takes. The right knowledge will equip you to make better decisions as you go through withdrawal.
Your doctor can help you develop a treatment and recovery plan that works along with your self-care regimen. This will allow you to recover mentally and physically.
Finding Help and Resources
If you do not want to go through withdrawal at home but are not willing to be admitted to a hospital, there are other resources available.
These include personalized treatment plans at specialized high-end rehabilitation centres and executive programs. These options typically include support groups, medical professionals, and outdoor activities.
Making use of resources like these can help you permanently break the cycle of alcohol dependence and withdrawal. You will have the opportunity to create a relapse prevention plan. You will also be introduced to cognitive behavioural therapy, which can help address negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with binge drinking.
You will also have access to after-care services to ensure you have ongoing support and guidance when you need it the most.
HARP Can Help You Create and Follow an Effective Crisis Plan
Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) offers a ready-and-waiting support network. Its sophisticated facility offers access to nature, an in-house gym, and a day spa.
HARP uses education, clinical treatment, and restorative therapies to guide clients through the challenging process of alcohol withdrawal. Its treatment program focuses on providing not only help for you as a patient but assistance for your loved ones, too.
At HARP, you will receive the treatment and care you need from qualified medical personnel, psychologists, and counsellors to ensure you experience a holistic recovery.
Moreover, HARP will help you follow your unique crisis plan by helping you overcome your triggers and staying in contact with your loved ones throughout your stay.
HARP’s staff offers true empathy when you need it the most. Contact HARP today to create your crisis plan and get the help you need.
