A medical detoxification, or detox, is one of the better ways to cope with alcohol withdrawal. Because of the symptoms that come with stopping alcohol use after a prolonged period, it is best to be supported and cared for by medical personnel to ease the intensity of the symptoms and to provide medical care if necessary. If you or a loved one is seeking an alcohol detox in Florida, look no further than BoardPrep Recovery.
Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey
Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be a risky endeavor. In fact, it can lead to a number of negative physical and psychological symptoms. Dependence on alcohol can be very difficult to overcome. Without help in the early stages, the results can be less than optimal.
When quitting alcohol cold turkey, the risk of relapse is high. People who have been heavily dependent on alcohol for a long period of time may find it difficult to abstain completely at first and may be at risk of returning to drinking as a way of coping with withdrawal symptoms or facing their overwhelming challenges all at once. Another issue facing someone quitting alcohol cold turkey might be psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and irritability are commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal, and these symptoms can be severe and may last for weeks or even months. Quitting drinking can also lead to changes in appetite and sleep, which can affect mood as well.
Possibly the most alarming risk of abruptly stopping alcohol consumption are the medical complications. These include high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and even heart attacks. Additionally, if an individual has developed other drinking-related health problems, such as liver or pancreatic disease, they can be exacerbated by quitting alcohol cold turkey. It’s important to note that quitting alcohol cold turkey may not be the best approach for everyone. Some individuals may benefit from a more gradual tapering off of alcohol consumption or from seeking professional help, such as counseling or medication-assisted treatment, like those offered at BoardPrep.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When an individual abruptly stops consuming alcohol, their body may go into withdrawal. Withdrawal is usually an uncomfortable and painful process that includes physical and psychological symptoms. This occurs because the individual has built up a tolerance to a substance, and their body and brain require a certain amount of it to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms are the brain’s way of communicating its perceived need for alcohol. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms can vary. Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Sometimes, if an alcohol use disorder has progressed far enough, unmonitored withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal. It’s important to note that detox is only the first step in the recovery process. After detox, individuals might consider entering an inpatient or outpatient rehab program or seeking ongoing support such as therapy, counseling, or support groups to stay alcohol-free.
Contact BoardPrep Recovery for Alcohol Detox in Florida
An alcohol detox can provide a space for a person to begin to recover from a substance use disorder. Medical detox can help to lessen the symptoms associated with withdrawal. Furthermore, it can ensure that the patient is monitored and safe while they rid their bodies of alcohol.
At BoardPrep Recovery, we understand the difficulties facing individuals newly in recovery, and we aim to provide all the services and treatments necessary to help make that transition as smooth and successful as possible. If you or a loved one is seeking an alcohol detox in Florida, please reach out to us at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how we can help.
