“It’s the mood swings that scare me. One moment up, the next down, and no concentration. It’s hard to pretend to be happy and normal.” “Lightheaded, dizzy, no sleep, pale, weak, and it feels like electric shocks shoot through my body every so often. Crazy anxiety.” “The more time that goes by, the clearer the picture becomes. I see my triggers, and I work through them. I’m alcohol detox side effects always thirsty and drink a lot of water. I’m still not sleeping through the night.” “The physical symptoms aren’t so bad, but my mind seems to be trying to figure out how I can have just one drink. I have plans to get some yard work done, so that will keep me busy.” “Doing OK. No major symptoms. This is to let folks know that not everyone has severe physical symptoms.”
- Enjoying alcohol socially in reasonable amounts can boost your mood and help you bond with others.
- Remember to speak with your primary care physician or substance use disorder specialist who can assess your current side effects of detox and your risk for serious symptomatology.
- Withdrawal symptoms are part of a condition called ‘alcohol withdrawal syndrome’, which is a reaction caused when someone who has become dependent on alcohol is deprived of it.
If you (or someone you’re looking after) experience repeated vomiting, severe shaking or hallucinations, seek medical attention. Heavy drinkers who suddenly decrease or stop drinking altogether may experience withdrawal symptoms. They are potentially dangerous and should be treated as a serious warning sign that you are drinking too much. People who binge drink or drink heavily may notice more health effects sooner, but alcohol also poses some risks for people who drink in moderation.
Why should you visit a rehab facility to withdraw from alcohol?
“I feel like I am actually going into the honeymoon phase of my recovery. I feel great and am finally starting to be able to think clearly.” “I’m feeling fantastic. I have lost weight, and my skin looks amazing [I suffered from rashes all over my body and face]. My energy and confidence https://ecosoberhouse.com/ are back. It is wonderful.” “I am much calmer, anxiety has subsided, stomach better, have an appetite, and sleeping eight hours without waking up at 4 a.m.” “I feel good today but was very irritable last night. My clothes are fitting better, and my face isn’t as puffy.”
Many of these brain changes have to do with the way a person experiences pleasure as well as their mood and emotions. Continued use can lead to the brain and body becoming dependent on substances. People typically experience the most intense withdrawal symptoms at the onset of the detox process. The majority of the physical side effects of alcohol withdrawal will subside after several days to a week. Cravings and mental symptoms may continue for several weeks or months.
Other Benefits When You Stop Drinking
Your risk of developing cancer will decrease, and your liver function will have greatly improved. Take our free, 5-minute alcohol misuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of an AUD.
- You may also begin to notice a number of improvements in your physical health.
- For individuals with severe alcohol dependence, however, withdrawal symptoms can be more severe and may require medical attention.
- Whereas some experienced mild symptoms in the early days, others reported severe, sometimes frightening ones.
- The brain also begins to repair some of the damage and shrinkage you may have experienced while drinking.