The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Dr. Lea McMahon

Dr. Lea McMahon

Lea McMahon, LPC, EdD, serves as Chief Operating and Clinical Officer at Symetria Recovery. She holds a Doctorate of Education from Argosy University and Licensed Professional Counselor credentials in Texas and Louisiana. With 24 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment, Lea designed and built the clinical model Symetria uses today and led the organization's adoption of its harm reduction philosophy. She previously held Corporate Compliance Director positions at Elements Behavioral Health and Groups Recovery Together, and has taught psychology, humanities, and organizational leadership at Columbia College since 2013.

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Alcohol is one of the few drugs in today’s marketplace that is socially acceptable to use. Because it’s seen as a social lubricant, it’s all too easy to develop an addiction to alcohol and its effects. Many people find themselves needing alcohol addiction treatment at one point, but very few people ever receive it.
Perhaps you may want to stop drinking but find dealing with social pressure and withdrawal symptoms too difficult. While it is possible to stop drinking on your own, it’s often more manageable when you have a team of professionals on your side. At Symetria Recovery, our alcohol addiction treatment program provides the structure and support you may need to embrace recovery and avoid the dangers of alcohol withdrawal. Learn more by calling our team or completing our online insurance check.

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol is a depressive drug that slows down your nervous system and produces neurotransmitters that negate your day-to-day stress. The drug’s ability to relax you is part of what makes it so addictive, especially if your stress is exacerbated by a mental health disorder.
Once you start using alcohol to cope with stress, it can be difficult to stop. Alcoholism tends to come with its own unique set of withdrawal symptoms, the most common of which include:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • High fever
  • Insomnia
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Hallucinations

Can you detox from alcohol at home when your withdrawal symptoms are so severe? The short answer is no. Withdrawing from alcohol is dangerous and best done with the help of medical professionals. If you decide that it’s time to detox, the team with Symetria Recovery can keep you safe and stable.

The Dangers of Quitting Cold Turkey

But can you detox from alcohol at home if you don’t think you’re physically addicted? The truth is that it’s risky. If you find yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms after going without alcohol for twenty-four hours, you should find a treatment facility to assist you medically. People who quit drinking on their own often experience a relapse at a higher rate than those individuals who participate in a structured recovery program. The dangers of quitting cold turkey include permanent damage to your health and even death.

Alternative Treatment Options

There’s more than one kind of treatment program available to anyone looking to stop drinking. Some of the most effective include:

  • Inpatient programs – Inpatient programs allow you to separate yourself from the triggers and forces that may have initially enabled your substance use disorder. When participating in an inpatient treatment program, you can live on campus alongside several medical and mental health professionals. You and your peers can attend daily seminars, group workshops, and one-on-one treatment sessions with program staff.
  • Outpatient programs – Outpatient programs do not require you to remain in-house or on a specific campus while seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. Instead, you can continue to live in the comfort of your home while discovering new ways to overcome relapse. The most common outpatient methods are an IOP program and Vivitrol for alcohol issues.

Contact Symetria Recovery Today for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Recovering from a substance use disorder takes time and diligence. If you want to ensure that your efforts to stop drinking are as successful as possible, remember the dangers of alcohol withdrawal and consider how a substance use treatment program may suit you.
The Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) at Symetria Recovery allow you to continue to live your life, while you also work to save it.
IOP Programs for Alcohol Addiction in Illinois

IOP Programs for Alcohol Addiction in Texas

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