10 Natural Cures for Alcohol Withdrawal and Cravings

However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal. However, try not to have too many firm expectations, as symptoms can continue for multiple weeks in some people. Delirium tremens involves confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and requires immediate medical attention. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, or LifeRing offer a space where individuals can connect, share experiences, and stay motivated. These meetings often follow structured programs that encourage introspection and peer accountability. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs offer benefits depending on an individual’s needs and circumstances.

Keeping Your Mind and Body Busy

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Alcohol withdrawal is considered the most serious form of Oxford House withdrawal because of its severe symptoms. Seizures are potentially dangerous, especially because vomiting is also common during withdrawal. This combination can lead to someone inhaling and choking on vomit during a seizure, potentially obstructing their airway and breathing ability.

Moderately severe AWS causes moderate anxiety, sweating, insomnia, and mild tremor. Those with severe AWS experience severe anxiety and moderate to severe tremor, but they do not have confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. When not properly treated, AWS can progress to delirium tremens (Table 38–10). Heavy drinkers who stop drinking alcohol abruptly can experience serious withdrawal symptoms that could be deadly.

Home Detox Vs. Professional Detox

But this is a goal you should also approach safely, and you don’t have to do it alone. Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative medications that can treat anxiety and control seizures. This is typically the drug class of choice for alcohol withdrawal, as long-acting benzodiazepines may reduce the chance of recurrent withdrawal cure for alcohol withdrawal symptoms symptoms or seizures.

Week Two Benefits

In severe cases, withdrawal provokes dangerous complications, including seizures and DTs (delirium tremens), a condition that can be fatal and demands immediate medical attention. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can develop once a person with alcohol use disorder stops drinking alcohol. More mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms include tremors, weakness, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms, fast heart rate, headache, and elevated blood pressure.

• The first and most important step of at-home alcohol detox is to check in with your doctor and ensure it is safe.
• Establishing healthy sleep patterns, maintaining regular exercise, and cultivating strong support networks form the foundation of your recovery journey.
• When someone drinks regularly and heavily, their brain chemistry changes to counteract alcohol’s sedative and depressive properties.
• Uncontrollable shaking, usually in the hands, is a common sign of alcohol withdrawal.

Begin Your Healing Journey: Find Safe, Professional Alcohol Detox at Bakersfield Recovery Center

For individuals battling alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Understanding the withdrawal timeline, symptoms, treatment options, and support systems is crucial for beginning a safe and sustainable journey toward recovery. Proper nutrition plays an essential role in your recovery from alcohol withdrawal, with vitamin B supplementation being particularly important to prevent neurological complications. You’ll need to maintain adequate levels of thiamine (B1) through supplements while focusing on protein-rich meals that support liver function and tissue repair. Severe and complicated alcohol withdrawal requires treatment in a hospital — sometimes in the ICU.

• Symptoms can begin 6 hours after a person’s last drink and typically peak around 72 hours.
• Some people find that smaller, more frequent meals help if nausea is an issue.
• Taking the first step toward recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

An Ongoing Process

Anyone who has severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, such as seizures, hallucinations, or prolonged vomiting, needs immediate medical treatment. Want more information on supporting yourself during alcohol withdrawal? We’ll help you choose effective options for easing the effects of withdrawal. We also provide the specialized, professional treatment that’s key to safe, effective alcohol detox. People can partake in some natural remedies and activities to keep their minds occupied and help pass the time as withdrawal symptoms fade.

What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?

Your health care provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting. Anyone who thinks they may have alcohol use disorder needs to speak with a healthcare professional. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are physical and psychological reactions that occur when someone who regularly consumes alcohol suddenly stops or significantly reduces their intake. These symptoms signal your body’s adjustment to functioning without alcohol, marking a critical phase in the recovery journey.

What is the treatment for alcohol withdrawal?

If you’re concerned about your risks for developing alcohol use disorder, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you understand your risks and guide you on what to do about them. In cases of severe alcohol withdrawal, your healthcare provider may prescribe some alcohol treatment medications to help with the symptoms and prevent dangerous outcomes. Diagnosing alcohol withdrawal is done by a medical professional, who will take a history and perform a thorough physical exam. Depending on the symptoms and their severity, the healthcare provider can clinically diagnose the alcohol withdrawal as mild, moderate, or severe using the CIWA-Ar protocol tool.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox, Timeline & Treatment

Get rid of all beer, wine, and liquor, as well as any products that contain alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol and vanilla extract. If throwing everything away feels too hard, give it away to a friend or family member. When used along with beta-blockers,clonidine may help get your heart rate or blood pressure back down to healthy levels. These medications aren’t for everyone but could help lessen severe DT symptoms, such as hallucinations and aggression. If you’re given this type of medication, you’ll need to be closely monitored.