Alcohol addiction is one of the most common forms of substance use disorder. Because alcohol is widely available and frequently a part of social occasions and events, it can be challenging to not only see when alcohol abuse is happening but admit that alcohol addiction is occurring. However, once someone decides to quit drinking, the next step is to enter an alcohol detox center. Detox can help your body clean out the toxins. Detox also allows your body to re-adjust without alcohol. While this is beneficial, you will also experience withdrawal symptoms. A treatment specialist can help you learn how to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms so that you can successfully get through detox.

There are several ways to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A treatment specialist can administer medication-assisted treatment. You may also request holistic therapy that can provide comfort if you have severe withdrawal symptoms. Instead of detoxing yourself, you are likely to be more successful if you enter a withdrawal management program at Northern Illinois Recovery Center.

What are the Main Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Withdrawal is your body’s way of adjusting to life without alcohol. Addiction or dependency arises when brain chemistry is altered by a substance. Alcohol can cause the brain to become reliant upon it to release certain chemicals that regulate sensations of pleasure and other bodily functions; when alcohol isn’t consumed regularly or in high enough quantities, the body struggles. This can cause serious discomfort. When you suddenly stop drinking, it can have a jarring effect on your body in various ways. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Trembling or the shakes
• Insomnia
• Anxiety or severe depression
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

You may also experience delirium tremens, which can cause breathing problems, poor circulation, fluctuations in body temperature, a sharp increase in blood pressure, and disorientation. For this reason, you should never attempt to detox on your own if you have a severe alcohol addiction. You may have emergency medical issues that need immediate attention from a treatment specialist.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a drug and alcohol rehab method in which a treatment specialist provides medication for your withdrawal symptoms. Medication can ease the symptoms, reduce your cravings, and even counter the effects of drugs or alcohol. It is especially effective if you have been abusing alcohol for a long time.

Medication can help you get through detox by suppressing your most intense cravings during the early stages. It can also eliminate any chance that alcohol can get you drunk again if you relapse. Furthermore, medication can counter the effects of alcohol by producing a severe side effects if you drink. Once you experience these side effects, you may never want to drink again. Our team of medical professionals strictly administers medications in our MAT program and monitors individual progress to adjust dosage as needed. However, MAT isn’t just taking medications. It also involves participating in therapy to get at the psychological aspects of addiction. Some of the therapies offered in our MAT program and across all our addiction treatment programs include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Yoga therapy
• Individual therapy
• Trauma therapy

Through. combination of medication and counseling, many individuals who have been struggling with a substance use disorder for a long time can find the path they need to make a lasting recovery.

Holistic Treatment

The holistic treatment approach is an effective secondary treatment to help ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Holistic treatment ranges from stimulating activities to different types of therapy. You can benefit from holistic treatment throughout detox and rehab. Some of the most common types of holistic treatments for withdrawal symptoms and cravings include:

• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Physical activities and outdoor activities
• Art or music therapy

One of the main benefits of holistic treatment is that it helps you to overcome your cravings, which can continue long after the detox is complete.

Learn How to Ease Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

If you have questions and want to know more about easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We offer complete detox, rehab, and aftercare for substance abuse. Call us at 855.786.1978 to speak with an admissions specialist about your treatment options.