You can become addicted to just about anything, from something beneficial like exercise to something destructive like heroin. The key difference between partaking and addiction lies in the presence of withdrawal symptoms. Determining if you are struggling with alcohol can be a tricky beast because it is legal, glamorized, and ubiquitous.
In fact, the NIAAA reports that approximately 56% of American adults drink monthly. Many people spend years searching for the perfect hangover cure or temporary hangover remedies, not realizing these cycles often signal dependency. For those ready to break this cycle, finding a rehab in Tennessee or a dedicated Knoxville recovery center provides the professional structure necessary to move beyond temporary fixes.
Instead of focusing on how to treat hangover symptoms or wondering “how fast does bac drop per hour” just to function, find the root of the addiction. Don’t just rely on a quick hangover fix or search for how to fix hangover discomfort. That only delays your recovery and keeps you from the beneficial clinical support you need for long-term health. Whether you require a Nashville treatment center or the high-end clinical care of a luxury Nashville rehab, rehab is the safest way to address the physical and mental hurdles of recovery.
This article will explore the nature of alcoholism, the realities of withdrawal, the necessity of supervised detox, and the various treatment paths available to help you reclaim your life. You can reach out to us today if you want to speak with someone about your specific concerns.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol really is everywhere, and it seems to have to be involved in many of the things we do, from celebration to coping with stress. It’s when you move from “I could really use a drink” to “Oh wow I need a drink” that drinking turns from a fun party favor to a disease. The landmark 2017 JAMA findings signaled a public health crisis when they revealed that over 32 million adults met the criteria for a drinking disorder; recent data confirms this remains a critical issue, with approximately 29 million Americans currently struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder. Ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of alcoholism:
- Inability to control how much you drink
- Feeling the need to cut back on drinking, or trying to unsuccessfully
- Spending significant time recovering from alcohol use
- Strong urges to drink
- Interruptions at work or at home due to drinking
- Continuing to drink regardless of negative effects
- Losing interest in hobbies or social life due to drinking
- Drinking in unsafe situations, such as driving or watching your child
- High tolerance to alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
You may begin to exhibit withdrawal symptoms from alcohol as soon as eight hours after the last drink. Alcohol withdrawal is much more than a sign of addiction; it can be fatal. If you are an alcoholic planning on quitting, seek professional treatment immediately. Quitting without assistance can be extremely dangerous.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)
Understand not all symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are life-threatening, at least not individually. Any combination of symptoms has come to be recognized as AWS, or Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Anxiety/nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Jumpiness/shakiness
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Unclear thoughts
If you are a heavy drinker and you wake up from a night of partying extremely depressed and with the shakes, seek help. These symptoms are signs of severe alcoholism. Some of the more severe symptoms of AWS include:
- Clamminess and/or sweating
- Enlarged pupils
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Appetite loss
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Delirium tremens (the DTs)
- Tremors (the shakes)
Alcohol is an extremely potent substance. With alcohol abuse, your brain’s neurotransmitters actually start to adapt to the presence of alcohol. For every fluid ounce consumed, alcohol stays in the body for one hour. For someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08, it would take over five and a half hours for the alcohol to be fully gone. If an alcoholic drinks every day, the brain becomes fully adapted to that presence. If that person suddenly stops drinking, several bodily malfunctions can occur. Hence there exists AWS.
The Road to Recovery – Step One: Detox
Anybody entering into any type of treatment for alcoholism is going to undergo detoxification prior to anything. Safely ridding the body of alcohol is the first step on each and every road to recovery. It’s important to seek professional alcohol detox immediately after recognizing a problem because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as eight hours after the last drink. Whichever symptoms you endure will peak within 24-72 hours and can last a few weeks. Doctors and nurses will guide you through the discomfort, ensuring none of the symptoms turn fatal.
The Road to Recovery – Step Two: Treatment
In less severe cases, an outpatient treatment program may be suitable. In the case of moderate to severe symptoms, an inpatient stay may be more fitting. Regardless of severity, treatment should include the monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. Moderate to severe cases may also include the assistance of medication; benzodiazepines tend to be used most often.
- The symptom-triggered approach: Medicine is used to combat symptoms as they occur.
- The fixed-regimen approach: Medicine is dispersed in time intervals. This is the much more common approach.
Other common forms of treatment for less severe cases of AWS include sedative drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms, blood tests, and family counseling to discuss the long-term issue of alcoholism.
Final Steps toward Lasting Sobriety
It’s strange to think that quitting drinking can almost be as dangerous as drinking itself, but it’s true. Don’t let withdrawal symptoms deter you from healing. You can verify rehab costs before beginning, and we can help you access specialized rehab for seniors to ensure age-appropriate care.
Call us today if you or your loved one are struggling with alcohol. Our team will help you move past temporary fixes. Instead of wondering how to fix hangover symptoms or how to treat hangover dehydration alone, our staff provides a safe environment. We offer assistance locating Christian recovery programs and dedicated care for mothers. Understanding recovery is better than simply asking how fast does bac drop per hour and continuing a dangerous cycle.
Whether you prefer a luxury Nashville center or a focused 30-day treatment plan, the goal remains a life free from alcohol. Call us today at (877) 881-2689 to start your journey.
