Alcohol has been one of the most popular substances consumed by people worldwide for many centuries. However, when alcohol use becomes a regular habit, it can lead to dangerous health consequences, including addiction, known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are common, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. One of the most dangerous and potentially fatal symptoms of AUD is delirium tremens (DTs). Let’s discuss the concept of going from alcohol use to alcohol abuse, what are delirium tremens, why detoxing on your own is dangerous, what is alcohol addiction treatment, and the therapies used in alcohol addiction treatment.
Going From Alcohol Use to Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to a recurring problem with alcohol consumption that results in negative consequences, such as missing work or social obligations or having relationship problems. At this stage, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and anxiety if they reduce or stop their alcohol consumption. However, if individuals continue to drink despite negative consequences and experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, they may be developing an alcohol dependency or addiction.
What Are Delirium Tremens?
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that occurs in individuals who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol for an extended period. DTs symptoms may develop 48 to 96 hours after the last drink and can last up to five days.
Delirium tremens symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Intense anxiety
- Severe sweating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
DTs can lead to life-threatening complications, such as seizures, heart attacks, and respiratory failure if untreated.
Why Detoxing On Your Own Is Dangerous
Detoxification (detox for short) is a process of eliminating harmful substances from the body, including alcohol. Detoxing from alcohol abuse or addiction can be dangerous, especially without proper medical supervision.
Withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens, can be life-threatening, making it unsafe to detox at home without professional medical supervision. When detoxing at a rehabilitation center, experts will provide around-the-clock medical monitoring to help prevent severe symptoms and provide medication and other supportive therapies.
What Is Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
For many individuals, detox is just one stage of alcohol addiction treatment. The next stage is rehabilitation or rehab. During rehab, individuals learn how to regain control over their lives without alcohol as they work to understand the root of their addiction and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
There are different types of rehab programs, including inpatient or outpatient, group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists to help individuals overcome addiction and prepare them for long-term sobriety.
List and Discuss Therapies Used In Alcohol Addiction Treatment:
There are different approaches to rehab therapy, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This type of therapy helps individuals understand the underlying thoughts and beliefs behind their addiction. Then, it teaches them how to change negative patterns and behaviors.
Group Therapy
Group therapy helps individuals during rehab to develop a support network with people who have similar issues and struggles.
Motivational Interviewing
This therapy helps individuals to build an inner drive for long-term recovery by exploring their values and goals.
Family Therapy
This type of therapy can repair relationship damage and help to build healthy, productive relationships with family members.
Get Help Today From Skywood Recovery
The journey to overcoming alcohol addiction can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right help and support. At Skywood Recovery, we offer personalized, evidence-based, and comprehensive addiction treatment programs that suit your unique needs and goals. Our trained professionals can help you detox safely, work through the underlying causes of addiction and develop life skills to maintain long-term sobriety.
Delirium tremens can be a life-threatening and serious complication for anyone in alcohol withdrawal. Therefore, detoxing from alcohol addiction should be done with medical supervision, which helps to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of fatal complications. Alcohol addiction treatment that includes detox and rehab therapy can help individuals overcome addiction and prepare them for long-term sobriety.
With the right help and support, recovery from alcohol addiction is possible. Contact Skywood Recovery today at 269.280.4673 for more information on how we can help you or your loved one live a healthier, happier life.