We often hear people asking the questions: Am I experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms? How do I know if I am going through Alcohol Withdrawal? The only way to answer that question is to consult a doctor. Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a collection of symptoms that emerge after a person has stopped drinking. Typically, acute symptoms indicate the alcoholic drank for long enough to damage the central nervous system, brain, and liver. This sort of drinking leads to severe withdrawal and may need a medically managed detox.
Alcohol dependence is very dangerous, and detoxing from alcohol may require medical supervision to be conducted safely. If you are experiencing signs of alcoholism, seek medical attention.
General Signs of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically, the discomfort and severity of alcohol detox is proportional to the nature of their drinking and in what quantities they consumed alcohol. Alcoholism of this variety, in which entrenched pathology is present, necessitates comprehensive treatment that takes into account the full spectrum of addictive pathology, in addition to implementing the most effective clinical protocols. In situations where a person has developed a dependence on alcohol, measurable changes to the central nervous system will usually emerge, in addition to other personality disturbances.
Alcohol withdrawal can emerge with either mild or severe symptoms and sets in approximately 5 to 10 hours after the last drink. In most cases, symptoms peak at around 60 hours, with acute symptomology largely disappearing after day 5.
Physical and Psychological Signs of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
During the acute phase, when fully immersed in detoxification, the brain is engaged in a series of operations. But these by-products of the detoxification process professionals consider aberrations. Further, symptoms indicating a person is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:
- Shakiness, tremors, convulsions and/or seizures
- Chills, sweating, clammy and pale skin
- Anxiety or stress
- Depression, anger, extremely volatile, mood swings
- Depersonalization, confusion, psychosis
- Presence of Intermittent or persistent headaches.
- Loss of appetite, weight loss/gain, nausea/vomiting
- Sleep disturbances, restlessness, fatigue
- Increased blood pressure, rapid heart-rate.
- Dilated pupils, sensitivity to light
- Death
Dual diagnosis treatment that successfully addresses the issues accompanying a dual diagnosis patient must work as one intervention, with each condition being thought of as part of a whole. However, the first phase of any treatment plan is detoxification. A dual diagnosis essentially refers to a condition in which one’s alcohol addiction plays out in tandem with another mental health disorder.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
Long-term studies indicate that psychotherapy, in conjunction with medical detox, is an effective tool for treating the acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms that occur. So at Casa Palmera, our clinical program and our cross-disciplined treatment team addresses the many facets of the addictive condition. At Casa Palmera the primary, the operative principle is to meet the client where they are at, and from there create a personalized treatment plan that will honor them as an individual and strive to do away with assumptions based upon conventional or standardized models of clinical care.
Assessment
At Casa Palmera, a dual diagnosed client is carefully assessed by one of our physicians. They determine the correct course of action to rid the person of their physical dependence on liquor. During and after this initial phase, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed. It takes into consideration all of the factors that contribute to a client’s mental health status. For example, this may include family history, medical history, and all relevant psychological factors. Therefore, treatment at Casa Palmera includes individual and group counseling, attending 12 Step meetings and working a 12 Step program, psychotherapy, as well as education and supplemental, alternative therapies such as nutrition and exercise.
Social Model Treatment
Unique to Casa Palmera’s treatment strategies, utilizing the social aspects of the residential inpatient treatment. Alcoholism is a disease of isolation. Because the addict isolates themselves, they end up isolating loved ones, friends, and family. Thus, the social component of addiction treatment is vitally important, without which treatment cannot occur. But the group must create an environment organically. Here a chemically dependent person learns to express feelings, process emotions, successfully resolve conflicts, and develop and maintain healthy relationships. All of which will be crucial to their long-term recovery. If successful, the social element of Casa Palmera’s addiction treatment services will act as a map of sorts that the client will unconsciously carry over into other aspects of their life.
Family Support
Also, treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms must take into consideration the family. At Casa Palmera, we offer a family therapy program. Family support is provided through the following:
- Group therapy
- Couples counseling
- Family therapy
This network of support encourages and supports loved ones to be part of the client’s process of recovery. In turn, this fosters their growth.
Advanced Holistic Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
As with all chronic and debilitating diseases, alcoholism impacts virtually every aspect of the alcoholic’s life. Therefore, Casa Palmera’s staff, counselors, and therapists represent the best and most advanced cross-disciplined team available. This is crucial for creating comprehensive, therapeutic strategies that will address all of the facets of treatment. Since no one therapeutic style is necessarily better than another. Each is a piece of the whole puzzle. Thus, effective treatment always requires a certain amount of latitude and flexibility about clinical protocols.
However, no single therapy provides a cure. Also, the most successful interventions combine different therapeutic styles in conjunction with various medications. This is where the need to utilize an integrated approach becomes necessary. Casa Palmera distinguishes acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms treatment by the comprehensive programs created by our multi-dimensional staff. This includes aftercare programs specifically tailored to the needs of each individual. To get this multi-dimensional addiction treatment, all you have to do is contact us.