Alcohol is a legal substance that can create a powerful addiction in many people. It takes time for someone to become addicted to alcohol, and many people will never think they are. They may call themselves “social drinkers” when they are just in denial about their own addiction. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on the amount you drink and how frequently you consume alcohol. You can get help with recovery after alcohol withdrawal symptoms from an alcohol detox treatment center near you.
At Arkview Recovery Center, we can help with alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms through behavioral and medication-assisted treatment. We offer residential and outpatient treatment programs that best suit your needs. Call 717.744.0756 or complete our online form today to learn more about our alcohol abuse treatment program.
3 Techniques to Help With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
1. Relaxation Techniques
Anxiety is a common symptom of alcohol addiction and can prevent you from working on your recovery. These techniques will help you stay calm and stop obsessing over alcohol. Some relaxing techniques you can try include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
2. Eating a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy foods during withdrawal symptoms can help alleviate some of your withdrawal symptoms naturally. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have many benefits that can help, including:
- Raspberries
- Apples
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
3. Start a New Hobby
Staying active during withdrawal symptoms will keep your mind off alcohol and concentrate on a fun hobby or activity, like walking every morning when you first get up. Getting a pet can keep you company on that walk, and they make great companions and sounding boards for your addiction recovery. Other activities you can do include:
- Learn to play an instrument or read music
- Paint
- Photography
- Join a workout group
These are just three options that can help you manage your alcohol withdrawals.
Alcohol’s Effect on the Body
Alcohol can affect your brain chemistry to the point where it stops producing dopamine and other chemicals that keep us happy and functioning throughout the day. When you consume too much alcohol, you affect the neurotransmitters responsible for your brain sending signals to your body. The more you drink, the more you will be affected.
Depending on your body weight, mild intoxication begins when your blood alcohol level (BAC) reaches .05 and higher. You begin to feel tipsy and euphoric. Alcohol poisoning begins around BAC 0.25. At this point, you are significantly impaired and at risk of passing out. BAC levels of 0.45 and higher can result in death as the brain can no longer control your muscles, lungs, and heart.
Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Consistent drinking over months or years can create powerful withdrawal symptoms that can occur as early as a few hours after your last drink. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and shaking
- Convulsions
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Chronic drinking over a long period can lead to worsening symptoms and severe mental and physical effects, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Cancer
- Pancreatitis
- High blood pressure
- Depression
Alcohol use can cause serious issues, especially over time. Seeking help during your withdrawal symptoms can help you achieve sobriety and prevent these long-term effects.
Alcohol Withdrawal Help
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help when dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Acknowledging the need for aid is not a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it’s a courageous step towards recovery. There is a vast network of support available, from medical professionals to therapists and support groups, that can provide guidance, encouragement, and effective strategies. You are not alone on this journey, and asking for help and support is a pivotal part of your path to recovery.
A detox may be necessary depending on the severity of the alcohol dependency. Some programs that help with the path after detox include:
- 12-Step programs
- Holistic therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Contact us to learn more about our programs at Arkview Recovery Center.
Address Your Alcohol Addiction at Arkview Recovery Center
At Arkview Recovery Center, our alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs approach your addiction on a personal basis. Our team will evaluate you to determine your level of addiction and severity of withdrawal symptoms to develop a custom treatment plan to help with alcohol addiction. We offer several program options, including:
- Detox program
- Residential program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Medication-assisted treatment
We will continuously monitor your progress and update your plan accordingly to ensure you get the most out of your addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and want help to stay sober, call 717.744.0756 or complete our online form today to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help with your alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
