Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous, especially for heavy or long-term drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from tremors and nausea to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening. Factors such as age, overall health, history of previous withdrawals, and polysubstance use can increase the risks. Because withdrawal experiences vary …
If your drinking has become unmanageable and you want to stop, you might be tempted to quit drinking cold turkey. While ending an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is a great idea, stopping completely and all of a sudden can be risky. This is especially true for chronic heavy drinkers, individuals in poor health, and those with a history of problematic alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can potentially be life-threatening. Of course, everyone’s experience with withdrawal is different — always consult a medical professional.
Not everyone who stops drinking will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Those who are lighter drinkers and who have not been drinking for a long time are less likely to develop risky withdrawal symptoms. However, because there is potential for life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms, anyone planning to stop drinking should be evaluated at a detox facility or consult a medical provider. The detox facility or medical provider will assess you to determine whether you require inpatient medically monitored detox.
High Risk Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several types of withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person stops drinking alcohol, all of which involve potential health risks. Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but heavy long-term drinkers are at greater risk. Those who have experienced these symptoms during previous withdrawal episodes are also at risk of experiencing them again when they stop drinking.
The Most Dangerous Withdrawal Symptom
One of the riskiest withdrawal symptoms is delirium tremens, or “DTs,” which is a life-threatening condition. DTs can decrease blood flow to the brain, cause severe dehydration, and lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
A person experiencing DTs may appear disoriented, confused, or agitated, with erratic mood swings and severe sweating. They may hallucinate or lose consciousness. DTs can be fatal.
Other Withdrawal Symptoms
Another risky withdrawal symptom is alcohol withdrawal seizures, which may occur between six and 48 hours after a person stops drinking. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal seizures can be fatal.
Tremors, also called “shakes,” are another common symptom and may be accompanied by increased blood pressure, an elevated pulse rate, nausea, and vomiting. Those experiencing tremors may also have nightmares and difficulty sleeping.
Alcohol withdrawal can also result in hallucinations, which may be quite detailed and vivid.
Factors Which Increase Risk
As discussed previously, chronic heavy drinkers are at increased risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. There are also several other factors that increase a person’s risk of potentially dangerous withdrawal.
People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Those who are addicted to barbiturates (an older class of drugs used to treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia) or to benzodiazepines (fast-acting anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax) are also at greater risk.
Individuals with a traumatic brain injury, as well as those with other severe medical conditions, also face an increased risk.
Source: ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management
A person who is addicted to more than one substance is also at increased risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Those with a severe psychiatric diagnosis are also at greater risk.
If you experience a seizure when you stop drinking, you are at very high risk for dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Patients with cardiovascular disorders or impaired liver function will generally require very careful medical oversight during alcohol withdrawal. Pregnant women also require close medical supervision.
Source: ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management
You should be commended for your decision to stop drinking. This is an excellent step toward improved health and recovery. However, be sure to do so safely with medical guidance. Contact Believe Detox Center to create a detox plan that meets your needs.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Alcohol Detox FAQ
Can I Detox From Alcohol Without Missing Work?
Some facilities and providers offer ambulatory (outpatient) detox programs. Believe Detox Center currently offers inpatient detox only, but their staff can help you explore other options.
Outpatient detox is not safe or effective for everyone. Be sure to consult a medical provider to determine whether you are a candidate for ambulatory detox. It is also not appropriate for withdrawal from all substances, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.
Can I Refuse Benzodiazepines During Alcohol Detox?
Benzodiazepines are often part of a medically supervised detox protocol. These medications are typically prescribed to help manage acute anxiety and prevent severe withdrawal complications.
If you wish to avoid benzodiazepines, discuss this with your medical provider to determine whether alternative treatment options are appropriate.
Is It Safe to Detox From Alcohol on My Own If I’ve Done It Before?
Each withdrawal experience can be different, so you may not have the same experience each time you stop drinking. This is especially true if you have been drinking more heavily or for a longer period since your last detox.
Repeated relapse and withdrawal can also place additional stress on the body. Consulting with a detox facility or medical provider before stopping alcohol use is the safest course of action.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, or high fever, call 911 immediately. For questions about medically supervised alcohol detox at our San Fernando Valley facilities, call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904.
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