Alcohol withdrawal is an intense experience. A person with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) faces a very real risk of experiencing intense mental and physical symptoms if they stop using the substance. Not everyone will, and most will not. However, because there is a risk of complications, including the potential to suffer a fatal outcome, it’s best to seek a medical detox center for alcohol withdrawal management.
At Raleigh Recovery Center, we work with you to reach stability while managing any complications that may occur along the way. Discuss your needs with us during an assessment.
Can You Die from Alcohol Withdrawal?
The sudden cessation of alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Some people suffer cardiac complications if they suddenly stop using alcohol after using it for a long time. Others suffer from seizures, which can lead to fatal blood clots or loss of life.
The most common cause of death from alcohol withdrawal stems from fatal arrhythmias. That means your heart beats too fast or out of proper rhythm. This irregularity means there’s not enough oxygen-rich blood going to your brain, which can then trigger additional complications and health risks, including loss of consciousness.
Why Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal Causes Serious Health Risks
The body adapts to the presence of alcohol with continued use. The substance suppresses the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemicals that carry messages from one brain cell to the next, encouraging activity and behaviors. The brain has to produce more of these neurotransmitters and receptors to compensate for the continued presence of alcohol.
When a person stops drinking alcohol after being dependent on it, there is a surge of neurotransmitters present. That’s far more than what your body needs. This is what causes the onset of many of the withdrawal symptoms you have, such as:
- Racing heart
- Restlessness
- Feelings of intense anxiety
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Feeling nausea and vomiting
That’s what leads to the sudden onset of arrhythmias. The heart beats so out of control because of the imbalance of neurotransmitters that it simply stops, causing a heart attack.
Complications May Be More Widespread
Many times, people who have used alcohol for a long time have added complications to this process. The muscle’s strength and function are debilitated by the presence of alcohol, and that means they enter heart failure. This puts more pressure on the heart and limits its ability to handle the intense heart rate.
Kidney failure and liver damage are also complicating factors. Alcohol is broken down by your liver and then cleared through the kidneys. But because alcohol limits the production of hormones, it can lead to excessive loss of sodium, calcium, and potassium. Kidney failure can rapidly accelerate and cause significant loss of function.
Who Is Most at Risk for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs in some people who have used alcohol for a long time. These individuals are most likely to suffer complications such as:
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Paranoia
- Delirium
- Several autonomic hyperactivity, including irregular heartbeats
Those who use a significant amount of alcohol, binge drink, or use alcohol for a long time are most at risk for experiencing these types of complications. That means that, in those cases, it is critical to seek a medically monitored detox program to help you navigate the alcohol withdrawal process safely.
Delirium Tremens Risks
One of the most common signs of acute alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. This causes:
- Agitation, often with irritability
- Sudden and severe confusion
- Fevers
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Rapid, irregular heartbeats
If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical support. This will not simply pass without the risk of a fatal outcome.
You Can Recover From Alcohol Addiction
While alcohol withdrawal is an intense experience, evidence demonstrates that a person can recover from it at nearly any point of use. Full recovery and how well a person does depends on the level of organ damage present. If you can navigate withdrawal and gain a better level of support, you can make a full recovery, according to MedlinePlus. However, it is very important to know the risks associated with these conditions.
Seek Support So You Don’t Have to Handle The Process on Your Own
Many people who suffer from alcohol use disorder can step into a medical detox program and get help managing the symptoms of withdrawal. You don’t have to feel the intense pain and emotional impact. Through carefully created plans and treatment, you can recover.
Contact Raleigh Recovery now to learn more about how we can help you safely navigate alcohol withdrawal.
