Many people throughout the United States are dealing with alcoholism. In fact, statistics show that nearly 13.8 million American adults struggle with drinking problems. If you’re dealing with an addiction to alcohol, it’s wise to seek out treatment. While living with untreated alcoholism, it’s difficult to enjoy a nice life. This condition often places immense strain on close personal relationships, sometimes causing them to end for good. Those wanting to take back control of their lives often check into alcohol detox centers. Here’s what you can expect after seeking out professional treatment for alcoholism.
What to Expect During the Detox Process
Before entering into an alcohol rehabilitation program, you’ll need to get this substance out of your body. This process is known as detoxing from alcohol. It’s understandable to want a fast detox. However, the time in which it takes you to complete the detox phase depends on a few factors including how long you’ve been drinking. Those who have been drinking for a few months are more likely to experience a fast detox when compared to someone suffering from years or decades of alcoholism.
There are several stages in the alcohol detox timeline. It’s important to note that you might not experience all of these conditions. However, learning about them helps you understand what to potentially prepare for.
Stage 1 symptoms are generally mild and relatively easy to manage. These symptoms often include feelings of anxiety. This is a reaction that occurs with many people that stop taking in chemicals their bodies have grown accustomed to receiving. In addition, other mild symptoms occurring during this initial stage might include restlessness and stomach pain accompanied by feelings of nausea.
Those who are detoxing from severe levels of alcoholism often experience more intense symptoms. While mild symptoms often start hours after your last drink, moderate or stage 2 side effects usually occur days later. These symptoms might include dealing with raised blood pressure. In addition, you might also experience a fever while feeling like you’re dealing with the flu. Other moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms include an increased heart rate and feelings of general confusion.
Unfortunately, certain people going through an alcohol detox can experience stage 3 or severe withdrawal symptoms. This is one major reason why it’s wise to consider receiving a fast detox under the care of medical professionals. Stage 3 symptoms often include experiencing increasing body temperatures and fever. This often causes someone dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms to experience mild hallucinations. Fortunately, statistics show that only 10-20% of those dealing with alcoholism exhibit symptoms severe enough to warrant the use of medication and monitoring.
Helpful Tips for Dealing with Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re not able to experience a fast detox, it’s understandable to want coping tips throughout this time. Learning a few helpful tips can help fight off the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. With that in mind, here are three tips to follow while withdrawing from alcohol.
- Start an Exercise Program
Many people begin drinking alcohol to cope with the stresses of life. Unfortunately, alcohol only serves to numb the pain while doing immense harm to your body. If you’re wanting something to keep you busy while withdrawing from alcohol, consider starting an exercise program. In addition to increasing feelings of happiness in the brain, you’re also helping your body become healthier than ever before. - Consider Meditating
You don’t have to drink alcohol in order to relax. Many people who have successfully overcome alcoholism credit meditation as a major source of help. There are many types of meditation sources that help people new to this hobby have an easier time relaxing. - Begin a New Hobby
Alcoholics often spend the majority of their day drinking. During this stretches of time, it’s difficult to enjoy new habits. However, breaking free from alcoholism allows you to experience the joys of a new life. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider starting new hobbies that you’ve always had an interest in.
In closing, it’s important to know that recovering from alcoholism is a process. However, knowing what to expect can help ensure that you’re prepared to begin this journey. If you’re ready to win the battle against alcoholism, consider contacting an alcohol treatment center.
