Having an addiction to alcohol is dangerous, so to overcome their alcoholism, people sometimes try to quit cold turkey. However, there are certain risks and dangers connected with stopping alcohol abruptly. Let’s discuss whether stopping alcohol cold turkey is safe, what alarm signs to watch for, and how to safely overcome alcoholism.
What Are the Risks of Stopping Alcohol Cold Turkey?
Quitting alcohol “cold turkey” refers to stopping it abruptly without any slow weaning off process. Essentially, if you go this route, you go from daily alcohol consumption to none. Quitting cold turkey will send your body into alcohol withdrawal because it has developed a physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms are the hardest part of becoming sober from any substance, as the process is painful and uncomfortable. Your cravings for more alcohol will be incredibly strong and hard to resist. Thus, one major risk of quitting alcohol cold turkey is managing the immediate and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. However, when detoxing from alcohol, there are some dangerous and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Here are some of the typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that are uncomfortable and painful:
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of hunger
- Mood changes
Further, here are some of the potentially life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that you may experience:
- Tremors
- Delirium tremens (DT)
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Coma
Because of the risks of detoxing from alcohol alone, the only safe way to overcome alcoholism is through a professional alcohol detox center.
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How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?
Alcohol works directly on the brain to result in dependency. In fact, alcohol modifies the brain as you develop regular alcohol patterns. In short, substances like alcohol change the way your neurochemicals work and react. The more you drink, the more likely you are to experience problems with focus, impulse control, memory, and pleasure. Additionally, you might experience worsened balance, trouble forming sentences, blurred vision, or problems sleeping.
How Can an Alcohol Treatment Center Help with Withdrawal?
Since quitting alcohol on your own is dangerous, does this mean you can never escape alcohol addiction? Certainly not! The way to overcome your alcoholism is by receiving professional treatment for alcohol abuse. The first step of alcohol rehab at our center is medical detox, where we help you safely undergo withdrawal. After detox, you transition into the intensive residential inpatient stage. During this time, you learn how to make sobriety a lifelong reality through therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention planning.
Why is Quitting Alcohol Easier with Help?
Without a doubt, quitting alcohol is easier and more possible with professional assistance. During the painful and dangerous withdrawal stage, you will receive 24/7 medical monitoring for your safety. Additionally, our team of doctors and nurses will help restore your body to health by providing fluids and nutrients. Equally important, they can administer comfort medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you can receive ongoing medication assistance to keep cravings at bay.
Finding Professional Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you have any questions about quitting alcohol, please reach out to our alcohol treatment center. Sobriety is close at hand if you take the first step towards recovery and accept help.
