Detoxification from alcohol can cause a range of withdrawal symptoms, all of which depend on how long the alcoholic has been addicted and how severe the addiction is. Detox symptoms can be as mild as nausea and tremors or life-threatening in the form of hallucinations and convulsions. Treatments used during this time vary according to the needs of the alcoholic.
Mild Detox Symptoms
Alcoholics who suffer from mild symptoms during detoxification are generally those who are not as dependent on alcohol as others. According to the Alcohol Drug Rehab Directory, mild symptoms include the shakes, night sweats, anxiety, an increase in blood pressure and nausea. While uncomfortable for the alcoholic to experience, these symptoms do not necessarily pose a health risk. Cravings will usually accompany the side effects, though, so it is wise to undergo counseling during the detox period to make them easier to overcome.
Detox Symptoms of the Seriously Dependent
Those who are more seriously dependent on alcohol will generally experience more serious withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and seizures, during detoxification.
The first six to 48 hours after an alcoholic's last drink is when these symptoms are the most likely to occur, and they may last for a few hours or a few weeks. Hallucinations will cause the alcoholic to see, smell or hear things that do not exist. While hallucinations can be dangerous, the alcoholic's safety should not be in question as long as she is being supervised by medical staff.
Seizures, or convulsions, can actually be life-threatening and may require medical treatment. These can occur within the same time frame as the hallucinations, and it is for this reason that alcoholics generally enter a rehabilitation center when they choose to stop drinking. A center provides supervision by both doctors and nurses in the event that something serious occurs.
Severe Detox Symptoms
When someone suffers from chronic alcoholism, he will generally have severe withdrawal symptoms while in detox. Aside from all of the above symptoms, he may also suffer from delirium tremens (DTs). These typically take place within three to five days after alcohol has left a person's system, and they can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, there is no known medical treatment to help stop DTs once they begin.
During this time, an alcoholic may become extremely confused, suffer from hallucinations or be severely disoriented or hyperactive. Cardiovascular problems may also occur; these include a racing heart, heart attack or stroke. Grand mal seizures, dehydration and increased blood pressure can also occur during detoxification. In some cases, these symptoms can prove fatal if not treated immediately.
