Finding relief from alcohol addiction so often feels like a losing battle. The stigma against substance abuse sets up a barrier of shame. But seeking help for a drinking problem is a brave act, and resources near you can help set you back on the right track. Alcohol detox Orange County is the first step on the path to sobriety. So why is detox from drinking so important? Why not just go cold turkey?
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
You might be surprised to learn that quitting alcohol without proper medical supervision can be fatal. Once the body builds tolerance to a heavy dose of liquor, it relies on the substance to function properly. Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the central nervous system. Continued exposure to alcohol forces the body to adapt to the presence of the depressant. When you suddenly reduce or stop drinking alcohol, the brain switches from being constantly slowed to being suddenly overexcited. The effects of withdrawal depend on how much the central nervous system was dependent on the drug.
Mild Initial Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Nausea or Vomiting
Serious to Life-Threatening Symptoms:
- Delirium Tremens
- Visual or Auditory Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Status epilepticus
Status epilepticus, which are seizures that last more than five minutes or occur too closely together for the person to recover in between, are the main concern for alcohol detox safety. They can lead to death if the person detoxing from alcohol is not supervised by treatment professionals in a controlled environment.
Alcohol Detox Orange County
Seeking treatment starts with finding a reputable program. You may wonder what criteria should be considered when looking for alcohol detox. There are two basic options: inpatient detox and outpatient treatment. The main difference is the living arrangement and level of independence clients seek and are comfortable with. People seeking help for alcohol addiction should NOT go through detox in an outpatient setting due to risk of seizures. Round-the-clock care with detox medication ensures that clients go through the withdrawal process as safely and comfortably as possible.