Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening, with delirium tremors causing changes in body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Cravings and triggers can make it difficult to recover from alcoholism without the help of an alcohol addiction treatment center in Denver.
While alcohol remains a fixture at parties, sports events and weddings, millions of Americans suffer from alcoholism or a drinking problem each year. In small amounts, alcohol creates feelings of happiness and elation. In larger amounts, alcohol can cause changes in behavior and personality. Ethanol is the ingredient in alcohol which causes intoxication. In large doses, ethanol can cause poisoning, which requires medical treatment.
Alcohol causes your brain to release excessive amounts of neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. It also impairs your motor skills and judgment, increases your risk of suffering an injury and causes memory loss. Over time, you can become both physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is defined as a compulsive need to continue substance abuse and drink alcohol despite serious negative consequences or a strong desire to quit drinking. Alcohol causes your brain to release a significant amount of neurotransmitters, which creates a rush of pleasurable feelings. When intoxication ends, you are depleted of pleasurable neurotransmitters.
When you become dependent on alcohol, your brain craves alcohol and rewards your drinking by releasing neurotransmitters. This leads to a change in your brain’s pleasure and reward center, as your brain begins rewarding alcoholism despite the negative consequences it poses on your life.
Alcoholism can lead to serious problems, including:
- Liver damage and liver disease
- Problems with relationships, especially marriages
- Conflicts with friends, family members, and employers
- Legal charges, such as DUIs or public intoxication
- Physical and psychological dependence
When you become addicted to alcohol, you can experience intense and severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to stay sober without help of an alcohol rehab center.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When you become physically dependent on alcohol, you will deal with serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you immediately stop drinking. You may even have alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly decrease your alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal signs can begin within hours of your last drink.
Signs of alcohol withdrawal slowly intensify, with early symptoms including things like shakes, cravings, and nausea. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last for several days, peaking between 48 and 72 hours after your last drink.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Delirium tremors, psychosis and hallucinations
- Seizures, tremors, and shakes
- Chills, sweats and body aches
- Disorientation and confusion
- Changes to your heart rate, blood pressure, and core body temperature
While several alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause life-threatening complications, detoxing under medical supervision can keep you safe during withdrawal.
Don’t Battle Alcoholism Alone
If you or a loved one is battling alcoholism or a drinking problem, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to find sobriety. Red Rock Recovery Center, the best alcohol addiction treatment center Denver offers, knows what it takes to recover. To find out more about how our dedicated, expert recovery team can help you achieve your goals, call us today at [Direct].
