How to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
86.3% of American adults have reportedly consumed an alcoholic beverage at some point in their lives. While moderate alcohol consumption can yield some health benefits, excessive drinkers are at risk for:
- Suffering from a condition known as alcohol use disorder
- Getting involved in a car accident
- Developing a wide range of lifestyle diseases
The American Psychiatric Association has recently integrated alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single condition called AUD or alcohol use disorder. This disorder is classified as mild, moderate, and severe. It is characterized by:
- a strong urge to drink alcohol
- an inability to stop drinking alcohol, and
- irritability when not drinking alcohol
turning over a new leaf: withdrawing from alcohol use
Valley Medical provides many short and long-term treatment programs for patients addicted to alcohol. Valley Medical Addiction Clinic in Minneapolis’s alcohol detoxification program is an example of short-term treatment with long term effects.
Patients undergoing an alcohol detox will usually experience alcohol withdrawal, which occurs when a patient who has been dependent on alcohol for a long time suddenly stops consuming the substance.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea and vomiting
Patients may also experience hallucinations within 12-24 hours. In severe cases, delirium and seizures may manifest.
managing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Our experts at Valley Medical are determined to help patients who are engaged in the detox program to overcome these symptoms through personalized treatment plans. Doctors may also prescribe medications to help make most challenging symptoms a breeze to manage. Although the duration of symptoms varies by patient, alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin to ease in 10-12 days from onset.
Patients are reminded, however, that controlling and managing withdrawal symptoms is only one part of the detox program. The cause, which is alcohol use disorder, must still be addressed and treated. Talk to our doctors today for a personalized treatment program.
learn more about valley medical pain and addiction clinic in minneapolis
Valley Medical and Wellness Addiction and Pain Clinic in Minneapolis provides innovative and comprehensive addiction therapy. Our clinic is proud to provide a variety of treatment options for those who are trying to overcome withdrawal at any and all stages. We are dedicated to healing your mind, body, and spirit, and helping you stay motivated to maintain the health you deserve.
Schedule an appointment with our addiction doctor in Minneapolis today. You can speak to all members of our staff in confidence. We value your privacy. Call us at (612) 444-3000.