Sadly, alcohol addiction is common in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 30 million people older than the age of 12 suffer from alcohol addiction.
However, as difficult as it is to live with addiction, it can be even more drastic to quit drinking. So, why is alcohol withdrawal deadly? Read on to learn more about alcohol withdrawal symptoms, alcohol detox death, and addiction treatment options.
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Why is Alcohol Withdrawal Deadly?
You may think that withdrawing from hard drugs is the most deadly, but you would be wrong. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the only ones that can cause death during the process. Just because it is legal doesn’t mean it is less lethal.
Some of the more serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms include seizures while detoxing. If these are left untreated, then it can eventually lead to death.
This is why if you are a serious alcoholic, you should be in a supervised setting during withdrawal. A medical team can keep you comfortable during the process. They will also be able to respond quickly in case things become fatal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to serious. The severity depends on how long you have been drinking, the alcohol content, and how well your body can deal with the process.
Some of the common symptoms include dehydration, tremors, and anxiety. Although these are less serious than other symptoms, you should still be aware of them and seek treatment if they become overwhelming.
However, you could spiral into dangerous territory quickly when it comes to alcohol withdrawal. One of the more deadly symptoms is delirium tremens.
Be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms of delirium tremens:
- high blood pressure
- hallucinations
- confusion
- tremors and shaking
If you see any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call the authorities or get to an emergency healthcare facility as soon as possible.
Addiction Treatment For Withdrawal
Many addiction treatment centers specialize in keeping patients comfortable during the detoxification process. When people can navigate their symptoms easier, they are much less likely to relapse and resume drug and alcohol addiction.
In more extreme cases, treatment such as a medically induced coma may be necessary to keep the patient comfortable through detox. Although these come with risks, they may outweigh the negatives and improve the chances of a better outcome.
Rehab centers also have psychological resources for patients, such as therapists on-site. Patients can have individual sessions or group therapy to work through anxiety and depression, which are some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Get Addiction Treatment Today
You may have learned the answer to the question, “Why is alcohol withdrawal deadly?” If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it may be time to reach out and get help.
You shouldn’t have to go through alcohol withdrawal symptoms alone. To learn more about the road to recovery from drug and alcohol dependence, look no further than the Health section of our blog.