Learn The Signs And Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be quite a challenge for someone going through alcohol detox. Although they vary from person to person, it is important to understand what they are and how best to manage them. In this guide, we explain all the basics about alcohol withdrawal symptoms to help you or someone you know better understand how they affect the alcohol detox process.

Learn more: The beginner’s guide to alcohol detox

What are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms or alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) result from prolonged and heavy alcohol use, which changes how the body and brain work. Over time, the body becomes dependent on alcohol for normal functioning. 

In such a situation, if the individual suddenly stops drinking, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. This happens because the body must now adjust to life without alcohol. 

The adjustment process is often uncomfortable and comes with some or all of the following symptoms:

• Tremors
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Nightmares
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea

• Delirium
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Blood pressure changes
• Shakes

Whether a person has been drinking for a few weeks or years, they may experience these symptoms. An individual undergoing alcohol detox must be aware that they may need medical supervision and medication to help manage alcohol withdrawal complications.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?

When a person takes alcohol, it acts as a depressant, influencing the brain’s neural pathways that are involved in excitation/reward. That is why taking alcohol results in an initial high that comes with feelings of well-being and excitement. When alcohol is taken in excessive quantities, this effect (also called dysregulation) starts to fundamentally change how the brain works. 

As the brain adjusts to the new norm of large amounts of alcohol in the body, it starts needing alcohol to remain in balance and maintain “normal” functions. Over time, the dysregulation requires higher quantities of alcohol to maintain the new norm, resulting in alcohol use disorder (AUD).

In such a state, when the person stops taking alcohol, several things happen that result in alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

1. The brain, now adjusted to the new norm, scrambles to find a way of coping with no alcohol.
2. Next, the neural pathways that were used to hyperstimulation fall out of balance, resulting in anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and other symptoms.
3. After a few days of no alcohol, withdrawal symptoms peak as the body goes into shock from the sudden change.
   

The detox process can last from a few days to weeks, depending on factors like how long the person has been drinking and how much they were drinking on a daily basis.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be broadly categorized into two stages: acute alcohol withdrawal side effects and post-acute alcohol withdrawal side effects.

Stage 1: Acute alcohol withdrawal

Once a person stops taking alcohol, the body experiences a drastic change in alcohol levels. This sudden change leads to acute or short-term alcohol withdrawals, which come within hours or days of stopping.

If the person was a light drinker, they might experience mild side effects. However, for heavier drinkers, these effects can be severe. 

Since the body is going through a sudden change, the person is most at risk at this stage. If they had a strong dependence on alcohol, suddenly stopping can cause unconsciousness, delirium tremens, or even death. 

It is highly recommended that anyone starting this journey do so with medical support to help reduce the effects of such severe side effects for safe and effective detox.

Stage 2: Post-acute alcohol withdrawal

Post-acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome or PAWS is the next stage after the initial detox is over. Although not as common as the side effects of the acute stage, they can be equally frustrating for someone on the road to recovery. 

PAWS symptoms significantly affect long-term alcohol abusers who have also adjusted their lifestyles to accommodate the habit. 

PAWS is characterized by feelings of:

• Despondence
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Memory lapses
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Chronic nausea

Because of the abrupt change in lifestyle, alcohol withdrawal side effects become tied to social, mental, psychological, and behavioral aspects of the person’s life. This stage can last from a few months to a year and is one of the leading causes of relapse.

The Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

The most severe side effects of alcohol withdrawal occur within the first 24 to 48 hours. While for some people, onset can be as quick as two hours, for most, the effects are increasingly felt from six hours onwards. The severity of symptoms also varies from person to person. 

For some, withdrawal symptoms are mild and fade away by the first or second day. For others, especially heavy drinkers, severe and even life-threatening side effects can take hold from six hours onwards. 

Although not as common, delirium tremens or DT may also occur at the 48-hour mark. This side effect is characterized by severe shaking, vivid hallucinations, heart palpitations, and intense confusion.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the side effects of alcohol detoxification, here is the general timeline of symptoms to expect:

What is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

Fighting addiction to alcohol is an uphill battle. The detox and withdrawal processes are very challenging to get through, but it is possible. Rehab programs and medical treatment are available to help you cope with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. 

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a collective name for the symptoms you experience as a heavy drinker who has suddenly stopped or significantly reduced your consumption of alcohol.

AWS usually causes both physical and emotional symptoms. The symptoms you may experience can range from fatigue, nausea, and mild anxiety to hallucinations and seizures in more serious cases. Extreme AWS can be life-threatening.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal seizures are a severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to potential seizures during the withdrawal stage. Recognizing alcohol seizure warning signs and getting immediate medical treatment, including the use of benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants, are very important. Professional detox programs can play a vital role in helping to safely manage alcohol withdrawal and prove the need for medical supervision to prevent complications and promote long-term recovery from alcohol dependence.

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures?

Understanding the connection between withdrawal and seizures helps answer the question: can alcohol cause seizures? Yes, especially during the withdrawal phase, highlighting the importance of seeking professional support for safe recovery.

An alcohol withdrawal seizure occurs when the brain reacts to the sudden absence of alcohol after prolonged or heavy drinking (1). Over time, the brain relies on alcohol to regulate its activity, and long-term use changes how the brain functions. When drinking stops suddenly, this balance is disrupted, causing overactivity in the brain that can trigger alcohol seizures, which are serious and require immediate medical care.

Seizures are relatively common during alcohol withdrawal, affecting about 5-10% of people who stop drinking after heavy use. Those most at risk include individuals with a history of alcohol seizures, repeated withdrawal episodes, or pre-existing health conditions like epilepsy or brain injuries.

What Happens in Your Body When You Stop Drinking?

When you stop drinking after prolonged or heavy alcohol use, your body goes through significant changes as it adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on alcohol to regulate its activity. Without it, the brain enters a state of hyperactivity, which can lead to serious symptoms, including an alcohol withdrawal seizure (2). Alcohol affects brain chemistry by slowing down its activity through neurotransmitters that regulate mood and behavior.

Long-term drinking reduces the brain’s ability to function without alcohol, creating a dependency. When drinking stops, the brain becomes overstimulated, leading to symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, or, in severe cases, alcohol seizures.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last drink. Early symptoms, like shaking and sweating, are common, and more severe issues, including alcoholic seizures, often appear between 24 and 72 hours. This time is especially risky and requires close monitoring in order to prevent complications.

It’s important to be able to recognize warning signs like rapid heartbeat, confusion, or tremors, because these may signal severe withdrawal.

Withdrawal occurs in stages. Mild symptoms like irritability or nausea happen early. These can progress to moderate symptoms like increased blood pressure and hallucinations. The most severe stage, called delirium tremens (also abbreviated to DTs), includes confusion, fever, and seizures, all of which require immediate medical care.

Why Do Some People Get Seizures During Withdrawal?

Not everyone who stops drinking experiences seizures, but for some, withdrawal can lead to an alcohol withdrawal seizure. This happens because the brain becomes dependent on alcohol to regulate its activity during prolonged drinking. Alcohol slows down brain function, and over time, the brain adapts by working harder to keep its balance. When drinking suddenly stops, the overstimulated brain may cause symptoms like tremors, anxiety, or, in severe cases, alcohol seizures.

Repeated withdrawal episodes can increase the severity of symptoms due to the “kindling effect.” Each time someone quits and relapses, the brain becomes more sensitive to withdrawal changes, raising the risk of an alcohol withdrawal seizure, even with less drinking than before. For those with prior withdrawal experiences, the brain “remembers” the stress and reacts more intensely each time.

Drinking habits also play a big role. Long-term heavy drinking makes the brain highly dependent on alcohol, increasing the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms like alcoholic seizures. For these people, quitting suddenly can trigger dangerous reactions.

When Are You Most at Risk for Withdrawal Seizures?

Knowing when you are most at risk for an alcohol withdrawal seizure can help you take the right precautions and get medical care right away. Seizures are more likely during withdrawal if you have a history of alcohol seizures, repeated withdrawal episodes, or underlying health conditions like epilepsy. Quitting alcohol suddenly without any medical supervision also increases this risk.

Warning signs to watch for include severe shaking, confusion, a racing heartbeat, or sudden loss of consciousness. Early symptoms like intense tremors or heightened anxiety can indicate that an alcoholic seizure is coming, making immediate medical attention very important.

Certain triggers, such as stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or detoxing without support, can also make seizures more likely. Severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens, known by its abbreviation DTs, are characterized by confusion, fever, hallucinations, and alcohol seizures, and require emergency care to prevent any life-threatening complications.

How Can You Tell If You’re at Risk?

Understanding if you are at risk of an alcohol withdrawal seizure is an important step when you are considering stopping alcohol use, especially after long-term or heavy drinking. Certain personal and medical factors can increase the likelihood of seizures during withdrawal, and being aware of these risks helps you take the right precautions in order to stay safe.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• Have I experienced seizures or severe withdrawal symptoms before?
• Do I drink heavily or frequently?
• Have I tried to quit drinking on my own in the past?
• Do I feel physical symptoms like shaking or anxiety when I stop drinking?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before attempting withdrawal on your own.

Personal History Factors

Your drinking history also plays a big role. Prolonged or heavy alcohol use increases the brain’s dependence on alcohol, raising the chance of alcohol seizures when you stop drinking. People who binge drink or have a pattern of quitting and restarting are at higher risk.

Medical Conditions That Increase Your Risk

Conditions like epilepsy, brain injuries, or severe anxiety disorders make the likelihood of an alcoholic seizure much greater. Also, underlying health problems can make withdrawal symptoms a lot harder to manage.

Family History

A family history of seizures, epilepsy, or substance abuse disorders may also increase your risk. This connection may partly explain the answer to the question: Can alcohol cause seizures in some people?

Previous Withdrawal Experiences

If you’ve gone through withdrawal before, especially if you experienced seizures or severe symptoms, your risk is much higher during future attempts. This is due to the “kindling effect,” where the brain becomes more sensitive with each withdrawal episode.

What Should You Do If You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol, it’s important to take them seriously. Severe symptoms, such as an alcohol withdrawal seizure, can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Watch for warning signs like severe shaking, confusion, hallucinations, a racing heartbeat, or fainting. If you experience an alcoholic seizure, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If your symptoms worsen or feel overwhelming, get help right away. Issues like constant vomiting, severe anxiety, or trouble breathing should never be ignored. Understanding can alcohol cause seizures during withdrawal shows the importance of professional intervention to ensure your safety.

When getting care, share detailed information about your drinking history, including how much and how often you drank, when you had your last drink, and any history of seizures or withdrawal symptoms. This helps doctors assess your risk and provide personalized treatment, including necessary tests to check for dehydration or monitor heart and brain activity.

How Are Withdrawal Seizures Treated?

Treating an alcohol withdrawal seizure requires immediate medical care in order to ensure safety and reduce the risk of any complications. Professional treatment focuses on stabilizing the person, dealing with any underlying health issues, and providing long-term support to maintain recovery.

Medications are important in managing alcohol seizures during withdrawal. Benzodiazepines, like diazepam or lorazepam, are commonly prescribed to calm the nervous system and lower the risk of seizures. In some cases, anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital are used to provide additional protection (3). These treatments help protect the brain while the body adjusts to being able to function without alcohol.

Medical supervision is important, especially for anyone who is at risk of alcoholic seizures. Doctors and nurses closely monitor vital signs, manage symptoms, and are prepared to handle emergencies like seizures or severe dehydration. This oversight ensures that any complications are dealt with right away, increasing the level of safety during withdrawal.

The treatment setting depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild withdrawal cases may be treated through outpatient programs with regular check-ins. However, people at high risk for an alcohol withdrawal seizure are often treated in inpatient facilities, like hospitals or detox centers, where 24/7 monitoring and emergency care are available.

Treatment duration varies, but most acute symptoms, including the risk of seizures, usually go away within 5-7 days. Long-term recovery, however, requires ongoing care, like therapy or counseling, to deal with the emotional and mental challenges that are tied to alcohol dependence.

Support during treatment is also important. Recovery professionals, family, and peer groups can provide encouragement and understanding throughout the process.

Why Is Professional Help So Important?

Withdrawal can be unpredictable, and complications like an alcohol withdrawal seizure can develop suddenly, making it unsafe to go through the process alone. Getting professional help during alcohol withdrawal is important for your safety and recovery.

The Dangers of Withdrawing Alone

When someone quits drinking without medical support, they face risks like severe dehydration, confusion, or even seizures. Without proper care, these symptoms can quickly escalate and become life-threatening.

The Benefits of Medical Supervision

With medical supervision, professionals monitor your symptoms and intervene if necessary. They can administer medications, deal with dehydration, and keep your heart rate stable. This level of care reduces the risks associated with withdrawal and makes the process more manageable.

What to Expect in Treatment

During treatment, you can expect personalized care that focuses on stabilizing your physical health. Professionals will evaluate your withdrawal symptoms, provide medications if needed, and offer emotional support. They also ensure that complications, such as an alcohol withdrawal seizure, are treated right away. There are many different treatment options available including inpatient detox facilities, outpatient programs, and hospital-based care. Each provides different levels of support depending on your symptoms and specific risk factors.

Success Rates with Professional Help

Studies show that individuals who get professional help have higher success rates in managing withdrawal and achieving long-term recovery. By managing the risks of alcohol withdrawal, medical care ensures you have the safest and most supportive environment to begin your recovery journey.

Can You Get Insomnia During Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is often a long and difficult process, but it is also the most essential measure that must be taken on the long and winding road of addiction recovery. Withdrawal symptoms cause many people to relapse and resume using drugs or alcohol. These withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, which has been shown to be a prevalent symptom of alcohol withdrawal.

The connection between insomnia and alcohol withdrawal

The genesis of alcohol withdrawal transpires when an individual that is dependent on alcohol abruptly stops drinking. Mild withdrawal symptoms might consist of a vanishing appetite or pounding headaches, while severe withdrawals can include fever and even seizures.

Withdrawals can also cause insomnia, a sleep disorder where the individual has trouble with falling and/or remaining asleep. Short-term, or acute insomnia can last anywhere from a single evening to several weeks. Long-term, or chronic insomnia tends to cause serious sleep issues for a minimum of 3 nights a week for multiple months on end.

Disruptions to the sleep cycle are very common during the outset of recovery from alcohol dependence and could linger for months on end in spite of uninterrupted abstinence.

In an early observational study, more than half of a sample group of 40 alcoholic male inpatients developed and were showing signs of insomnia during the first week of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal can impact sleep by:

Impacting the quality and duration of REM sleep
Disrupting the production of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) transmitters that help regulate sleep
Disrupting normal sleep cycles, making it difficult to fall and/or stay asleep throughout the night

How can you treat alcohol dependence and insomnia?

The treatment of alcohol dependence and insomnia concurrently is ideal for achieving total recovery. Sleep disturbances can significantly escalate the possibility for relapse, so addressing these sleep issues during recovery or detox can reinforce abstinence.

The most effective way to treat alcohol dependence and insomnia is with professional medical care.

Safe Treatment Of Alcohol Withdrawal Side Effects

Alcohol detox side effects can be mild to severe and can occur unpredictably. An individual may experience a few side effects at one time but encounter severe effects at another. This unpredictability makes the dangers of alcohol withdrawal very real for both the individual and those around them.

The safe treatment of alcohol withdrawal side effects involves a combination of drugs, therapy, and support.

What Types of Rehab Can Help with Alcohol Withdrawal?

There are three types of alcohol addiction rehabilitation programs:

Inpatient treatment

There are two types of inpatient treatment. Depending on the severity of your addiction and other factors of your situation, you can choose between long-term treatment or short-term treatment. Long-term rehab programs typically last between six months to one year. Short-term rehab programs typically last for three to six weeks.

All inpatient treatment programs, whether long-term or short-term, include 24/7 medical care that will help decrease the severity of your withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.

Inpatient rehab is the most intensive treatment option. It also has the highest success rate.

Outpatient treatment

Outpatient treatment is the most flexible option. It is also less expensive than inpatient rehab. It is ideal if you still need to work and/or uphold other responsibilities while in rehab.

If your alcohol addiction is not all that severe, you can opt for a low-intensity program that focuses mainly on education and abstinence techniques.

High-intensity day programs are also available that have similar features as inpatient programs. Day programs often incorporate a great deal of group counseling and activities that will teach you healthy coping skills to overcome the urge to drink alcohol.

It is important to note that outpatient treatment may not be supportive enough for some, especially in the less intensive programs. For this reason, outpatient treatment programs often have a lower success rate than inpatient rehab programs, especially for people who suffer from extreme alcohol dependency and severe alcohol use disorder.

In-home treatment

In-home treatment has similarities to both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. The in-home treatment provides you with medical care similar to what is offered by inpatient programs while allowing you to continue to live at home as you would if you were in an outpatient treatment program.

With in-home treatment, you do not have to adhere to a set schedule or put your life on hold as you detox and get sober from alcohol. You and your doctor can work together to devise an agreed-upon schedule for in-home visits, or you can get treatment on an as-needed basis or a rotating schedule.

You will still be able to work and keep up with any other commitments while in an in-home treatment program, but you will also get the medical support you need to manage your withdrawal symptoms.

Easing withdrawal symptoms is an important factor in getting through the detox and withdrawal process. If your symptoms are made more mild and bearable by medication, you will be more likely to complete the program without relapsing. Many people who do not participate in a medically-managed rehab program and try to do it on their end up relapsing without getting completely sober. This is because the withdrawal symptoms are too severe to handle, so they just go back to drinking to stop the withdrawal symptoms.

DIY Detox vs. Detox with a Professional

You may choose to go into a rehabilitation treatment center to begin treatment under the supervision of medical professionals. You could also decide to detox at your own home with the support of your closest friends and family. The choice is yours, but you should be aware of the pros and cons of each.

DIY Detox

Detoxing in your own home with a DIY remedy sounds very comforting to many people. You don’t have to leave home or spend significant amounts of money to get treatment at an inpatient center.

However, your withdrawal symptoms can be physically and mentally draining. Your family may not understand what you are going through, and even though they are there by your side, you may need a medical team nearby to help you make it through safely.

DIY remedies also don’t address the root causes or triggers of addiction, which means that even if you successfully complete detox, you don’t have the tools at your disposal to avoid relapse. When you detox at home, you tend to fall back into old habits faster and end all that you have worked for.

Medically Managed Detox

Detoxing with a professional is the safest and offers you the best chance of success. Medical professionals are there to handle everything related to your detox, and they know exactly what to expect during the alcohol detox timeline.

You will receive counseling and therapy to help you address alcohol use triggers. Your care team can help you recognize when you reach for alcohol and develop healthy coping mechanisms that help you avoid relapsing down the line.

Your care team can also help you overcome withdrawal symptoms with techniques such as MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment ) or NAD IV therapy. These options can reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve your comfort, and even reduce cravings that lead to relapse.

What are the Best Home Remedies for Alcohol Withdrawal?

According to the CDC, alcoholism is one of the most prevalent forms of addiction in the United States. More than half of people consume alcohol on a monthly basis, while nearly a quarter of those people binge drink or drink more than they should. Additionally, millions of Americans are self-proclaimed addicts, and alcohol is responsible for more than 100,000 deaths annually.

11 Home remedies to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms

If you want to recover from alcoholism but do not want to go straight to professional detox, planning carefully and utilizing home remedies to handle withdrawal symptoms is important. Here are some of the best home remedies, tips, and tricks to utilize in your efforts.

Eating healthy foods

As with most health-related things, one of the best ways to cope with alcohol addiction symptoms is to eat a healthy diet. In addition to helping you feel good about yourself, healthy foods replenish many of the vitamins and nutrients that were depleted during your battle with alcoholism. Here are some of the best foods to eat to ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

• Fruits and veggies
• Carbs
• Proteins
• Healthy fats such as nuts and avocados
• A well-balanced diet

Fruits and veggies are packed with natural sugar to help your cravings.

Healthy fats, carbs, and proteins are packed with nutrients and will help your body produce essential hormones such as serotonin.

Serotonin is essential for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, which is another important aspect of recovering from alcohol addiction. Serotonin is essential for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, which is another important aspect of recovering from alcohol addiction.

Drinking lots of water

Throughout the course of withdrawal, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating. Each of these symptoms can deplete your bodily fluids, leading to dehydration and worsening symptoms.

It’s important to be proactive in replenishing these fluids by drinking lots of water, sports drinks, and other fluids packed with electrolytes.

Surrounding yourself with loved ones

One of the most difficult aspects of alcohol withdrawal is feeling like you are all alone and as though it’s you against the world.

Therefore, surrounding yourself with loved ones and people you trust can help you in your recovery. These people can help keep you accountable, distract you with conversation and activities, and help you keep your mind off alcohol.

Being surrounded by loved ones will also remind you that you are quitting alcohol for reasons other than yourself.

Increasing your vitamin intake

While eating a healthy diet will help supplement some of the vitamins you lost due to alcoholism, it won’t be enough. Therefore, you might need to take vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition to restoring your health, vitamins, and minerals are crucial for boosting your immune system, strengthening your bones, helping you get a good night’s sleep, and much more. Here are some of the main vitamins and minerals to consume.

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D 
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium

Meditation techniques

Restoring your physical health is an important aspect of coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, you may also experience mental symptoms. As such, you may benefit from learning meditation techniques to help you cope with your alcohol cravings. Yoga and Tai Chi are two of the best options. Meditation can help reduce feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety, which may lead to relapse.

Acupuncture

While you may not be able to receive acupuncture in your home, visiting an acupuncture center may help some people deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture is a process where needles get stuck at strategic pressure points throughout your body. This can help relieve pressure, stress, and anxiety and increases feelings of relaxation, which is important for controlling alcohol cravings.

Natural herbs and supplements

In addition to a healthy diet, hydration, multivitamins, natural herbs, and supplements can also help relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Many natural herbs help you relax and have soothing effects. Here are some of the best options.

Ashwagandha

As with the Kudzu flower, ashwagandha is a natural herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also been shown to reduce alcohol cravings and help with other alcohol addiction symptoms.

In addition, ashwagandha has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to promote overall wellness and improve physical and mental health.

Kudzu extract

Kudzu extract is a natural substance that can be used to treat the symptoms of a hangover and reduce alcohol consumption. Since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are similar to a hangover, the Kudzu flower is a great option.

Kudzu flower has also been shown to reduce people’s desire to drink alcohol, making it perfect for your recovery.

Milk thistle

While the Kudzu flower and ashwagandha can help with alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, milk thistle supports your recovery in a different way. Milk thistle is packed with an antioxidant known as silymarin, which is beneficial for liver health.

Because alcohol destroys the liver, milk thistle can support your physical recovery.

Exercise and distractions

Exercise is great not only for its health benefits, but also because it will distract you from your alcohol cravings. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins that create euphoric feelings. Daily walks, short jogs, and light weight lifting are great exercises to start with, and you can get up the intensity from there.

Other distractions, such as listening to music, watching a movie, or reading a book, will also help when your alcohol cravings get bad. Music, books, and movies will also help you relax, easing stress or anxiety.

Overcoming Alcoholism: More Than a Battle of Will

One of the most important things to be aware of when overcoming alcohol addiction is that it isn’t all about your willpower. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that has the potential to cause serious physical ailments and death.

Simply having discipline and determination isn’t always be enough to help you overcome alcoholism. Home remedies are a great start and worth a try, but if they aren’t working, it’s important to seek help in the form of professional detoxification assistance. Otherwise, you may continue to struggle with alcoholism and be unable to break the addiction.

Advantages of Professional Detox for Alcoholism Over Home Remedies

If you want to overcome alcoholism, home remedies are a great starting point because they are affordable and easy to access. However, if your home remedies aren’t successful, you should seek professional detox assistance. Professional detox for alcohol has a much higher recovery rate not just in the short-term, but for permanent sobriety.

Professional detox uses a variety of methods and treatments to help you during alcohol withdrawal, including counseling and medication-assisted detox. Medications can help ease the painful physical and psychological symptoms during withdrawal. These medications also help stem your cravings in the future when you have a sudden urge to consume alcohol.

In addition to helping you through withdrawal, professional detox aims to help you make a lasting recovery. The tools and tricks you learn during detox will help you for the rest of your life by helping you identify triggers that set off your cravings and learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with them.

What Happens After the Initial Withdrawal Period?

After the initial withdrawal period, the body begins to heal from the physical effects of alcohol, but recovery doesn’t stop there. While the risk of an alcohol withdrawal seizure usually decreases after the first few days, ongoing care and attention are essential to ensure long-term success.

The physical symptoms of withdrawal, such as shaking or sweating, usually fade within a week. However, emotional and mental challenges, like anxiety, cravings, or mood swings, can last much longer. This is why continued care, including therapy or counseling, is so important. It helps address the deeper causes of alcohol use and provides tools to manage the triggers that could lead to relapse.

To prevent future complications, such as alcohol seizures or other health issues, staying completely alcohol-free is crucial. A strong support system is also important for maintaining sobriety. Friends, family, and recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can provide a great deal of encouragement and accountability, helping you stay focused on your goals.

Long-term health also plays a huge role in recovery. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress can all improve your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding how withdrawal works shows just how important ongoing care and healthy habits really are. With the right support and a focus on self-care, you can build a safer, better life in recovery.

How Can You Prevent Future Withdrawal Seizures?

Preventing a future alcohol withdrawal seizure starts by first making some important lifestyle changes and getting the right support. Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Lifestyle changes are an important first step. Avoiding alcohol completely is essential for preventing alcohol seizures. Building healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, helps your body recover and reduces the levels of stress that can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

Support resources, like therapy and recovery groups, can give you guidance and encouragement. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery create a sense of community and accountability. Professional help through counseling or recovery coaching can also address the underlying causes of alcohol dependence.

Enrolling in treatment programs is always recommended, especially for anyone who is at a higher risk of alcoholic seizures. Detox programs and inpatient facilities can give you medical supervision, which is very important during the early stages of recovery. These programs can also provide tools to manage your cravings and triggers.

It’s important to watch for warning signs, like intense cravings, anxiety, or changes in sleep patterns, which may be a sign of a risk of relapse.

Creating a safety plan is another important step. This plan should include emergency contacts, a list of trusted professionals, and strategies to help manage triggers. Having a clear plan ensures you’re prepared to handle challenges and maintain long-term sobriety.