Alcoholism Detox Symptoms

An alcoholic is someone who is physically dependent upon alcohol. Although toxic to the body, alcohol has been part of her chemical system for so long that abrupt cessation of drinking can wreak havoc with her body. Detoxification can be mild or life threatening with abrupt changes in physical and mental conditions, sometimes occurring without warning. Ten percent of people going through withdrawal develop serious symptoms. Those who develop DTs (or Delirium Tremens) are at a 5 percent to 25 percent risk of mortality. It is crucial to detox under the direct care of a physician or medical facility.

Mild Withdrawal Symptoms

• The excitability neurons in the brain have diminished function when combined with alcohol. Abrupt alcohol withdrawal can cause brain excitability, leading to anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, shakiness, tremors and headaches. People often exhibit profound mood swings, including hyperactivity and depression. Other mild symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset and palpitations. Mild withdrawal symptoms may occur as early as 12-24 hours after someone stops drinking.

Withdrawal Seizures

• Ninety percent of seizures that occur during alcohol detox occur within the first 48 hours. The seizures are Grand Mal seizures, which mean the seizure activity is all over. A seizure that is localized to a certain area of the body, such as the face or a leg, usually is indicative of another condition. It is especially important to have the person around trained medical personnel should seizures develop. The person may injure themselves by falling, hitting the head or even biting the tongue causing swelling and airway obstruction.

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

• Delirium Tremens are usually a result of prolonged daily heavy alcohol exposure or drinking in combination with other agents. People who are older or have been through repeated detox are at greater risk of developing DTs. Symptoms of DTs include disorientation, hallucinations (visual, tactile or auditory), paranoia, profuse sweating, delirium, rapid breathing and rapid heart rate. The person may see spiders crawling on them, feel like people are "out to get them," have severe panic attacks or even attempt suicide. DTs can occur without warning in someone going through detox, so it is imperative that the person is protected in a medical facility from harming themselves or having complications. Many times, people going through DTs must be sedated with the use of Benzodiazepams to get them through this stage. This stage usually does not last over 48-72 hours but can last for up to a week.

Kindling Phenomenon

• The Kindling Phenomenon occurs when there are long-term changes in the neurons after repeated detoxification. This phenomenon is characterized by increased obsessive thoughts and cravings for alcohol. This makes repeated detox symptoms worse each time the person has to go through them and makes recovery from the addiction that much more difficult.

Additional Things to Watch for

• In addition to the acute symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a person may have further alcohol related complications. Pancreatitis, liver failure and cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, malnutrition, nervous system impairment and dehydration can all be a direct result of alcoholism. These conditions present their own set of symptoms that may be seen in conjunction with the alcohol detox symptoms already discussed. Most of these conditions can be life threatening in and of themselves; however, combined with acute detox, can bring even further danger for the person. These conditions may actually even worsen the symptoms of detox.

After the Acute Phase

• While most detox symptoms subside within a week, a few mild symptoms may last up to a year. Fatigue, insomnia, anorexia and mood changes are very common as well as depression. Alcohol detox is only the first step. Continued support for sobriety, along with emotional and physical well being, is never ending.