Drinking culture in the U.S is an interesting topic of conversation. When sifting through popular movies, tv shows, and other forms of media, it quickly becomes apparent that alcohol is everywhere. These representations depict alcohol as a beverage, but also as a lifestyle, social ritual, confidence tool, and identity marker. Alcohol is, in some cases, even seen as a right of passage through the symbolism surrounding the 21st birthday. With these depictions in mind, losing oneself is relatively easy when caught up in a drinking culture. The occasional hangover is not much to fret over. Still, when the consequences of drinking become a regular occurrence in one’s life, it’s usually a sign of something more at play. Often, it’s a sign of alcohol addiction. Anyone who drinks alcohol has the potential to get addicted. Luckily, help is available in the form of alcohol addiction treatment.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse, also known as alcoholism, is a substance use disorder that sees an individual drink in excess regularly throughout their day or week. Those who abuse alcohol can sometimes be very good at hiding, as is the case with the functioning alcoholic. However, some signs and indications will appear when someone’s drinking becomes a problem. The first of these signs pertain to the quantity and regularity of use. Having more than 14 drinks per week, or more than four drinks per occasion, is a good indication that something might be wrong, but this measurement can be thrown off by weight, metabolism, and other influencing factors. More reliable indicators can be found when looking at someone’s relationships and work performance. Those who are suffering from alcoholism will have difficulty meeting work and social obligations as alcohol will begin to take priority over everything else.
How Does Alcohol Detox Help?
Alcohol abuse can quickly lead to developing an alcohol addiction, which has proven to be life-threatening in more ways than one. The safest way to overcome alcohol addiction is through an alcohol addiction treatment program. These programs have been tailored to fit the needs of patients who are suffering from alcohol abuse and provide treatment and therapy throughout the patient’s stay. One of the most critical steps in overcoming alcohol addiction is getting through detox.
Detox is a process that separates the patient from alcohol and removes toxic and addictive substances from the body. This separation, however, can have very intense side effects depending on the patient’s level of addiction.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Once separated from alcohol, the body goes through what is known as withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when the body is separated from a substance that it has become accustomed to receiving regularly. Everyone will experience this process differently, but there are a few points everyone is likely to hit on the alcohol withdrawal timeline:
- Stage 1 – symptoms will likely arise within 5 to 10 hours of when alcohol was last consumed. People may experience tremors, sweating, issues with sleep, vomiting, anxiety, and other symptoms.
- Stage 2 – at 12 to 24 hours, patients may experience hallucinations, in addition to the symptoms mentioned in stage 1.
- Stage 3 – between 24 to 48 hours is when patients are most likely to suffer from withdrawal-related seizures.
- Stage 4 – from 72 hours onward, symptoms will typically have ceased within five days.
This alcohol withdrawal timeline represents a rough estimation of what those going through withdrawal might experience. Unfortunately, there are points on this timeline that can be life-threatening if not properly supervised. That is why it is of the utmost importance for those who want to overcome their addiction to consider getting treatment.
Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Insight Recovery NC
It can be tough to come to terms with alcohol addiction. At Insight Recovery NC, we understand this struggle and want nothing more than to provide our patients with a fulfilling and enriching experience as they embark on the path of recovery. For more information on the alcohol withdrawal timeline or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 828.826.1376 or contact us online.