When alcohol is enjoyed as an occasional beverage, it can be safe and healthy when used in moderation. However, when alcohol is abused and used in large quantities, it can have harmful effects. According to MedlinePlus, alcohol withdrawal occurs within five to 10 hours after the last drink. The more a person drinks, the worse the alcohol detox effects will be. A person who is detoxing from alcohol should seek medical treatment if he begins to experience serious effects.
Agitation
An early sign of alcohol withdrawal is agitation, states MedlinePlus. This occurs hours after the last drink, and occurs because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. A depressant is a chemical that causes reactions and signals in your brain to slow down, resulting in fatigue, depression and slow thinking. When alcohol is no longer consumed, the opposite effects occur. Individuals can become agitated, irritable and nervous when alcohol is no longer in his system. In this case, individuals should seek immediate medical treatment to prevent more serious complications of alcohol detox. A doctor will likely prescribe medications to help relieve agitation.
Delirium Tremens
A more serious effect of alcohol detox is delirium tremens. According to MedlinePlus, delirium tremens is a state of severe confusion and visual hallucination that can occur during alcohol withdrawal. A person may not know where he is, what his name is, the date or what is happening to him. In addition, he may see objects or people that do not exist. This is a serious complication that requires immediate medical treatment. A doctor will likely prescribe medications to relieve delirium tremens.
Seizures
Seizures may occur as an individual withdraws from alcohol abuse. This occurs because alcohol normally depresses brain activity. An alcoholic experiences chronic suppression of brain activity, thus removing alcohol causes the nerves in the brain to be hyperactive. Hyperactive nerves fire irregularly, which leads to the development of seizures. A seizure can cause a patient to shake and twitch uncontrollably for a few seconds to a few minutes. After the seizure, the patient will likely be confused for some time, or postictal. If a patient experiences a seizure, he should seek immediate medical treatment. A patient detoxing from alcohol abuse should seek immediate medical treatment in the early stages to avoid developing a seizure.
