When a heavy drinker attempts alcohol detox by quitting cold turkey, he or she can experience a variety of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may range from minor problems like shakiness and insomnia to more severe symptoms including delirium tremens and seizures. While detox may seem like an intimidating option, rest assured that doctors in inpatient rehab are very skilled at administering medications that make the detox process safer as well as easier to endure.
Doctors make a diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal when two or more of the following occur within a few hours or a few days after drinking has stopped:
- Insomnia
- Hand tremor
- Heartbeat greater than 100 beats per minute
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Delusions
- Anxiety
- Agitated movement
- Grand mal seizures
According to the Association of American Family Physicians, alcohol detox can effect long-term changes on neurons in the brain, especially when a drinker undergoes detox more than once. Recurrent detox episodes are believed to increase alcohol cravings. It is also believed that withdrawal and detox will become progressively more serious each time it is experienced.