Alcohol Withdrawal in Frederick, MD

Although all forms of substance abuse are dangerous and life-threatening, alcohol abuse can be one of the most harmful. Not only does alcohol use cut decades off someone's life span, it also can lead to deadly accidents and alcohol poisoning. The decision to finally quit abusing alcohol can be a life-changing and life-extending one. However, before a person can achieve sobriety, they must go through alcohol withdrawal in Frederick. The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be very severe. For this reason, a person should undergo alcohol withdrawal in a professional alcohol withdrawal treatment program.

Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

When a person abuses alcohol on a daily basis, the alcohol disrupts the brain's chemical balance. Specifically, the neurotransmitter GABA is affected by alcohol. This effect will cause a sense of calm, relaxation, and sleep. Chronic alcohol abuse can also suppress glutamate, a neurotransmitter that causes sensations of excitability. If a person suddenly stops drinking, a person will not only have more glutamate, they will also have less GABA. The results can send the brain and body into a tailspin, resulting in the symptoms of alcohol withdrawals. Alcohol withdrawal in Frederick can be dangerous. A person can experience unpredictable symptoms at a very fast rate. Although the symptoms may not seem severe at first, as time goes on, the symptoms can quickly progress to more severe. If a person is not in an alcohol withdrawal treatment program, they may not be able to receive treatment fast enough. Drug rehab in Frederick can help you successfully overcome your addiction.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from minor to severe. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict what type of symptoms a person will experience. However, if a person has gone through severe alcohol withdrawal in Frederick before, the next alcohol withdrawal period is likely to be severe. Examples of the symptoms at each level of withdrawal include:

  • Minor Withdrawal Symptoms: These symptoms can include shaking, sweating, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and headache. Usually, these symptoms will start anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after a person stops drinking.
  • Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms: Moderate withdrawal symptoms include the minor withdrawal symptoms as well as rapid heart rate and sometimes hallucinations. Hallucinations can make a person see, hear, or smell things that are not real.
  • Major Withdrawals: Major withdrawal symptoms are known as the delirium tremens or DTs. These symptoms include hallucinations, possible seizures, high blood pressure, severe tremors, rapid heart rate, and high fever. These symptoms will usually start two to three days after a person stops drinking. Unfortunately, the DTs can be a deadly syndrome if left untreated.

According to WebMD, the likelihood that a person will go through DTs is between 1 and 5 percent. Some of the common risk factors associated with the DTs include having a chronic medical condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), older age, abnormal liver function, or having a history of seizures.

Why Should I Go Through Alcohol Withdrawal at an Alcohol Rehab Center?

Treatment at an inpatient rehab in Frederick is aimed at reducing the likelihood that a person will go through DTs. At a facility, a medical team will monitor a person's blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate carefully to detect small changes that could indicate the onset of the DTs. A doctor will usually prescribe medications that will reduce the likelihood a person will experience a seizure. Examples of these medicines are benzodiazepines, such as Ativan or Valium. These medications are also known as sedatives, and they will slow the central nervous system.

If a person is ready to stop abusing alcohol, they or their loved ones should contact alcohol withdrawal treatment programs. They can begin to formulate a plan for helping a person through the detox process and talk through alcohol withdrawal treatment options. Typically, a person will start with inpatient treatment. This involves staying at a facility for anywhere from five to seven days as they go through withdrawal symptoms. In addition to sedatives, a person can also take medications to reduce nausea and promote sleep.

Typically, symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawals will start roughly eight hours after a person stops drinking, according to the National Institutes of Health. The symptoms will usually last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. While the most severe symptoms will usually subside after this time, it's possible that a person will continue to experience symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal in Frederick for some time. For this reason, a person should continue to engage in alcohol withdrawal treatment options. Call Frederick Drug Rehab Centers now for help (877) 804-1531.

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