Alcoholism can be challenging to understand and manage, often leaving individuals feeling hopeless. However, no matter the severity of alcohol use, recovery is always possible. Rehab has proven to be an effective method for many in overcoming alcoholism. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that about one-third of individuals receiving clinical treatment for alcohol-related issues remain symptom-free after one year.
Though rehab and other clinical treatments are recommended for alcoholism and similar conditions, some people may opt for self-treatment using online resources. However, it’s important to note that alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, making it much safer to undergo detox in a certified facility.
The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
Medical professionals emphasize that alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications. Severe outcomes, such as seizures (convulsions) and irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmia), pose a significant risk for individuals who abruptly stop drinking after heavy alcohol use. In some cases, healthcare providers may advise patients to continue drinking until they are admitted to a detox facility.
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period suddenly stops. Alcohol, acting as a sedative, relaxes the body and induces calmness. Over time, the brain compensates by working harder to maintain normal function. When alcohol use ceases abruptly, the brain’s neurotransmitters continue to fire excessively, leading to a variety of withdrawal symptoms.
To understand this process, consider alcohol as a brake on the brain. If the brake is suddenly released while the gas pedal is still pressed, the brain accelerates uncontrollably. In milder cases, common symptoms of withdrawal include:
While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they are not usually life-threatening. However, severe alcoholics with a long history of heavy drinking are at risk for more serious withdrawal effects, which require immediate medical attention. These include:
Getting Help for Alcoholism
Starting the recovery journey from alcoholism can be incredibly challenging. One of the most crucial steps is recognizing the problem and seeking treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, evaluating your drinking habits can help determine if they are interfering with your life. Consider asking yourself the following questions:
Affirmative answers to these questions may indicate alcohol use disorder. For many individuals with this condition, transitioning to sobriety can be particularly difficult. In the early stages of recovery, understanding and accepting the nature of the disease can be one of the biggest challenges. If you’re unsure whether you have a problem, you might find a helpful chart to assess your level of addiction useful.
Social Drinking vs. Binge Drinking vs. Alcoholism
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), social drinkers consume alcohol within low-risk patterns. This typically means:
For reference, one standard drink is equivalent to:
Social Drinking
Social drinkers typically exhibit certain traits and behaviors, including:
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is often seen as a step between social drinking and alcohol dependency. Binge drinkers exceed the NIAAA’s guidelines for moderate drinking and may show other signs such as:
Alcoholism
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on five or more days within the past month. Binge drinking, as previously described, involves consuming alcohol in excess of the limits set by the NIAAA for healthy drinking. Alcoholism can also be characterized by consistently reaching a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level above 0.08 on more than five occasions per week. Here are some signs that may indicate alcoholism in yourself or a loved one:
Quitting Drinking
Once you’ve decided to make a change, it’s important to set clear goals and guidelines for yourself to ensure success. Holding yourself accountable and using these goals as benchmarks can help you track your progress. Ensure your goals are SMART:
Here are some examples:
Once you have set your goals, take steps to turn them into reality. Start by removing all alcohol and related items from your home. Write down your goals and place them somewhere visible, such as on a mirror or your daily to-do list, to keep yourself motivated. Follow these guidelines to help ensure you achieve your goals:
Remove Alcohol and Related Items
Clear your home of all alcohol and alcohol-related items to reduce temptation.
Announce Your Goal
Inform friends, family, and close colleagues about your decision to stop or cut back on drinking. If they consume alcohol, ask for their support by not drinking in front of you.
Be Clear About Your Limits
Communicate your drinking rules clearly and try to avoid situations that may tempt you. For instance, if you attend an event with alcohol, consider asking a supportive friend to help you stay accountable.
Avoid Negative Influences
Distance yourself from individuals who do not support your efforts to quit drinking or who disregard your limits. This might mean reevaluating certain friendships or connections.
Learn from Past Experiences
Reflect on previous attempts to stop or reduce drinking. Assess what strategies worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve your approach this time.
Even with online resources and support from friends and family, quitting alcohol cold turkey can be challenging. Many people find it beneficial to enter a treatment program and transition to group counseling, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, after the initial recovery period. Fortunately, numerous support networks and treatment options are available for those seeking a sober life.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous offers hope to those struggling with alcoholism. This global organization has assisted countless individuals in finding clarity, peace, and a positive path to sobriety. Founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, AA is an international fellowship dedicated to helping members “stay sober and assist other alcoholics in achieving sobriety.” Support groups are available worldwide, and participation is free. The organization boasts over 2 million members.
Al-Anon and Alateen
For friends and family of alcoholics, a crucial and challenging part of recovery is learning to let go and “let God.” In the Al-Anon program, this principle is referred to as “detachment.” Detachment helps individuals in relationships with alcoholics to separate themselves from their loved one’s addiction in a healthy way. Al-Anon emphasizes that those living with an alcoholic did not cause, cannot control, and cannot stop the drinking. This approach teaches how to release the obsession with the alcoholic’s behavior, cease attempts to control or influence them, and focus on leading a more fulfilling and manageable life.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a four-point program designed to help individuals break free from addiction and lead productive lives without drugs or alcohol. It offers a diverse range of strategies to help manage cravings, build motivation, and achieve a balanced and purposeful life. Unlike Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery is not a 12-step program and does not rely on faith in a higher power. It is utilized by thousands of people worldwide and caters to various individual needs.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is a key resource for information on alcohol-related issues and treatment options. It provides insights into current research on alcohol use and offers access to various treatment services. The NIAAA also publishes numerous articles and white papers on topics such as the effects of alcoholism, binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers scientific insights into the causes of alcoholism and the short- and long-term effects of heavy drinking. Understanding alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is crucial for developing effective treatments. NIDA conducts extensive research on how excessive alcohol consumption impacts and alters brain function.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders. As one of the 27 Institutes and Centers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the largest biomedical research organization globally—NIMH operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIMH aims to prevent and cure mental illnesses and is dedicated to transforming the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions through both basic and clinical research, promoting prevention, recovery, and cure.
In Conclusion
Withdrawing from alcohol can pose significant risks and potential dangers. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, it is essential to consult with a medical professional or seek help from a certified detox and rehabilitation center. Alcohol withdrawal often signals a serious issue. We offer evidence-based treatment at Sunrise Recovery in Jeffersonville Indiana for those dealing with substance use disorders. For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Carmel, including our residential and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), visit our website.
