Most people addicted to alcohol find it difficult to quit drinking because of the immediate withdrawal symptoms they experience. A good rehab center understands this, and most good rehab programs are tailored in such a way that an addict is able to cope with the withdrawals successfully.
The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol can vary from person to person. This is because the level of chemical dependency and the psychological makeup of an addict can vary from those of an another addict. As a thumb rule, the intensity of withdrawals for an addict who drinks more frequently and in greater quantities will be more than those of an addict who drinks less and fewer times.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms or alcohol detox can range from mild to moderate and to even life threatening in some cases. Generally, most alcohol addicts undergo the following withdrawal symptoms depending on the severity of their actions.
Mild to Moderate withdrawals
For addicts who are not heavily chemically dependent, the withdrawal symptoms could be anywhere from mild to moderate.
- Mid headache
- Shakes
- Sweating
- Night sweats
- Nausea
- Increase in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeats
An addict could experience one or more of these symptoms when he or she stops drinking abruptly. Even the hangover drinkers experience the next morning after a night of drinking is a form of withdrawal symptom.
Severe withdrawals
For more serious drinkers, the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. Some of the severe withdrawal symptoms for heavy drinkers who stop drinking abruptly are:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Voices in the head
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that can be countered only by a good rehab program that will address alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the most effective manner.