“Cold turkey” is an action of giving up an addiction or a habit. When a person gives up on alcohol, there are a few withdrawal symptoms that can be observed. Alcohol detoxification symptoms can be anything from mild to even being fatal. Depending on the level of addiction, the intensity of the symptoms will differ. When an alcoholic stops drinking abruptly, he might experience physical discomfort.
The Symptoms: Here are a few alcohol detoxification symptoms that are usually observed.
- Usual Symptoms: The most common symptoms can be getting shakes, nausea, excessive sweating, headaches, vomiting, faster heart beat and increased blood pressure. These symptoms are not harmful but can be very uncomfortable. Moreover, there might be a craving for more alcohol.
- Serious Symptoms: Seizures and hallucinations are the most serious symptoms of alcohol detoxification. If one stops drinking alcohol abruptly, during the next 10 to 48 hours he might face these symptoms. Usually, the hallucinations can last for a few hours or can even extend to week, and they could usually involve visuals and occasional sounds and smells. At times, one might even experience convulsions or seizures. If this occurs, medical treatment has to be given immediately.
- Cravings: When the alcohol detoxification symptoms get severe, intense craving for alcohol might start. It is basically the body’s indication that it requires alcohol immediately. For an alcoholic, the only way to get rid of the craving is by just drinking alcohol! And, this simple craving might get the person back to drinking again.
- Delirious Tremens: This can happen when the withdrawal symptoms are very serious. Delirious tremens (DT) is a state where in the person might feel disoriented, can be extremely dazed and confused, hallucinate, might have cardiovascular disturbances, can be hyperactive and there can be shift in breathing pattern, circulation and temperature control. DT can lead to increased blood pressure and racing heart which might lead to dehydration.
These are a few alcohol detoxification symptoms that might be faced by a person who quits alcohol.
