The rate of alcohol-related emergency department visits experienced a significant increase of 47.0% between 2006 and 2014. This corresponds to an average annual rise of 210,000 alcohol-related emergency department visits. According to estimates, alcohol was a contributing factor in at least 7.1% of emergency department visits and 17.4% of deaths resulting from opioid overdoses in 2020.
It is approximated that over 140,000 individuals, comprising approximately 97,000 men and 43,000 women, succumb to alcohol-related causes each year. Consequently, alcohol stands as the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the United States, trailing behind tobacco, poor diet and physical inactivity, and illegal drugs.
Our Riverside Alcohol Detox Facility may be the perfect fit to assist you through the challenge of withdrawing safely, comfortably and successfully from Alcohol and other substances.
Can You Die From Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol is the cause of many deaths per year
Alcohol detox, particularly in severe cases of alcohol use disorder, can be a serious medical condition that poses some risks, and in rare cases, it can be life-threatening. The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of alcohol consumption, the duration of alcohol abuse, and their overall health.
One of the most severe complications of alcohol withdrawal is a condition called “delirium tremens” (DT), which can be life-threatening. DT typically occurs in individuals with a long history of heavy alcohol use. Symptoms of DT may include severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and potentially dangerous changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
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Other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and distressing but are not typically life-threatening. At pH Wellness Detox and Recovery Center in Riverside, we are experts at helping individuals successfully detox from alcohol or other substances. Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include:
Anxiety
Anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder frequently co-occur and can significantly impact daily functioning. The presence of alcohol use disorder can worsen existing anxiety symptoms or trigger new ones, while pre-existing anxiety disorders can contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder as individuals may turn to alcohol as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Insomnia
When experiencing restful sleep, it is often overlooked and undervalued. Nevertheless, those who have encountered insomnia may possess a greater understanding of the significance of sleep in maintaining overall health and well-being. The importance of obtaining high-quality sleep cannot be overstated, and cultivating healthy sleeping habits is essential in ensuring that one receives the necessary rest their body requires. While some individuals may turn to alcohol in the evening to relax or induce drowsiness, it is important to note that alcohol can have adverse effects on sleep quality.
Nausea
If one does not undergo a carefully gradual tapering process, typically under the guidance of medical professionals, it is normal and anticipated to experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the use of alcohol and drugs. Nausea, characterized by a sensation of sickness in the stomach, and vomiting are two commonly observed withdrawal symptoms. Managing the discomfort caused by alcohol withdrawal-induced nausea can be challenging, but there exist several self-care techniques that can offer some alleviation.
Alcoholic Ketoacidosis
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a medical condition that occurs due to malnutrition caused by excessive alcohol consumption, usually in adults aged between 20 and 60 who indulge in binge drinking. Although it can affect individuals of any age, the symptoms of this condition, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, are particularly unpleasant. The exact prevalence of alcoholic ketoacidosis is unknown, but research suggests that it affects less than 10% of people who abuse alcohol.
Vomiting
When consuming alcohol, the body has a natural mechanism of expelling potentially harmful substances through the act of vomiting. This occurs because the liver metabolizes alcohol into a highly reactive and toxic compound known as acetaldehyde. The presence of acetaldehyde can lead to damage in bodily tissues and potentially initiate the development of various health conditions. To counteract this, the liver further converts acetaldehyde into acetate, which can be eliminated from the body by converting it into water and carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, the liver has a limited capacity to process acetaldehyde, and if its levels exceed the liver’s capability, the body will eliminate the excess acetaldehyde through vomiting.
Sweating
Excessive sweating can often be attributed to alcohol withdrawal, which occurs when individuals who regularly consume alcohol or struggle with addiction refrain from drinking for a certain period of time. Termed as alcohol withdrawal, this phenomenon represents the body’s reaction to dependency on alcohol. Notably, one of the prevalent indications of alcohol withdrawal is the occurrence of excessive sweating.
Tremors
A movement disorder, such as experiencing tremors, is a medical condition that is distinguished by the presence of involuntary abnormalities in bodily movement. The classification of such disorders is based on whether there is an augmentation or reduction in overall movement, known as hyperkinetic or hypo-kinetic, respectively. Hyperkinetic disorders encompass tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea.
Increased Heart Rate
Alcohol exerts an influence on the nervous system, encompassing the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which play a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure. Moreover, alcohol affects the receptors located in the blood vessels near the heart, responsible for the maintenance of blood pressure. Additionally, alcohol induces an elevation in stress hormones such as cortisol, thereby potentially leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
What Are The Health Risks Of Alcohol Withdrawal?
There are many health risks associated with alcohol consumption and abuse
Alcohol abuse can lead to a wide range of serious health risks and complications. Some of the most common health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption include:
- Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Heavy drinking can increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle), and an increased risk of heart disease.
- Brain Damage: Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to brain damage, impairing cognitive function, memory, and coordination. Conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcohol-related dementia may develop.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Alcohol can irritate and damage the digestive system, causing issues like gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis.
- Cancer Risk: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast cancer.
- Mental Health Problems: Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. It can also lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Weakened Immune System: Chronic alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
- Respiratory Problems: Aspiration pneumonia can occur when individuals under the influence of alcohol vomit and inhale stomach contents into their lungs.
- Accidents and Injuries: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries.
- Alcohol Poisoning: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period can lead to alcohol poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like confusion, seizures, slow breathing, and hypothermia.
- Social and Occupational Problems: Alcohol abuse can strain relationships, lead to loss of employment, and have a negative impact on one’s social and economic well-being.
- Risky Behaviors: Under the influence of alcohol, individuals may engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
It’s important to note that individual susceptibility to these health risks can vary based on factors like genetics, the amount and duration of alcohol consumption, and overall health. Seeking help and support for alcohol abuse is essential to mitigate these health risks and improve overall well-being.
It’s crucial to emphasize that while the risk of death from alcohol withdrawal is relatively low, the seriousness of these symptoms underscores the importance of seeking medical assistance during alcohol detox, particularly if you have a history of heavy alcohol use.
Medical professionals at pH Wellness Riverside Detox can provide a safe environment for detox and administer medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. Our expert medical team can also monitor your condition and respond promptly if any severe symptoms, like delirium tremens, occur.
Are Benzodiazepines Safe For Alcohol Detox?
Benzodiazepines are the preferred treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to their safety, effectiveness, and cross-tolerance with alcohol. These drugs modulate anxiety symptoms by stimulating GABA-A receptors and can serve as a substitute during withdrawal from one agent to another. Benzodiazepines have been proven to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens (DT).
The ideal drug for alcohol detox should have a rapid onset and long duration of action, a wide margin of safety, and absence of alcohol altogether. Various benzodiazepines offer many of these advantages and are the drugs of choice for alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to their low potential for physical dependence and tolerance in short-course therapy.
What Does A Safe Alcohol Detox Look Like?
A safe alcohol detox process at pH Wellness Detox in Riverside California is essential for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol use disorder and withdrawal symptoms while minimizing health risks. A medically supervised detox ensures that the person’s physical and psychological well-being is carefully monitored throughout the withdrawal process. Here are the key components of a safe alcohol detox:
Professional Assessment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the first step. The individual’s medical history, drinking patterns, and any co-occurring physical or mental health issues are considered.
Medical Supervision
The detox process should be conducted under the supervision of medical personnel, such as doctors or nurses, who are experienced in managing alcohol withdrawal.
Detox Medications
In many cases, medications are administered to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as seizures or delirium tremens. Medications should only be prescribed and administered by a healthcare professional.
Hydration
Dehydration is a common concern during alcohol withdrawal due to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be provided to maintain proper hydration.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional deficiencies are common in individuals with chronic alcohol use disorder. Proper nutrition, including vitamin supplements like thiamine (Vitamin B1), may be administered.
Medical Monitoring
Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, should be closely monitored. Regular assessments of withdrawal symptoms are essential to ensure the individual’s safety.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Mental health support is vital during detox. Professionals, such as counselors or therapists, can help individuals cope with emotional distress and anxiety.
Environmental Safety
The detox environment should be safe, comfortable, and free from triggers that might promote alcohol use.
Education
The individual should receive information about the detox process, withdrawal symptoms, and what to expect during detox and beyond. Education helps reduce fear and anxiety.
Personalized Care
Every individual’s needs and symptoms may differ, so a personalized detox plan is crucial to address their unique circumstances.
Post-Detox Planning
Preparing for life after detox is essential. Individuals should be connected with further treatment, such as residential rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, or support groups, to help maintain sobriety.
Supportive Environment
Supportive and understanding staff are important to provide encouragement, reassurance, and guidance throughout the process.
Regular Routine Assessments
Ongoing assessment ensures that the individual’s progress is monitored and that any emerging concerns can be addressed promptly.
The exact approach to safe alcohol detox can vary based on the severity of alcohol use disorder, individual health factors, and facility practices. Inpatient detoxification programs, such as pH Wellness Detox and Recovery in Riverside, provide the highest level of care and support, while outpatient detox programs may be appropriate for individuals with less severe withdrawal symptoms. Regardless of the setting, it’s critical that the detox process is supervised and managed by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and effective experience.
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Conclusion
Remember that detox is just the first step in the recovery process. After detox, it’s essential to engage in ongoing treatment and support to maintain sobriety. It’s advisable to work with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive recovery plan that suits your needs. Additionally, if you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help from a healthcare provider or a local addiction helpline. Your health and well-being are of utmost importance.
Ph Wellness Detox and Recovery Center is located in Riverside, Southern California. pH Wellness accepts most commercial insurances which may often times cover the entire cost of treatment, leaving little to no out-of-pocket responsibility to our clients or their family members. We utilize evidence-based practices and our team is comprised of Master-level Clinicians; all on site to meet with our clients daily.
To See If Your Insurance Covers Detox And Rehab, Call Us Today (888) 707-3880.
References:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
