Abusing alcohol can take a toll on your body, including high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and a higher risk of certain forms of cancer. Over time, drinking excessively can lead to physical dependence or addiction. Many people require treatment at an alcohol detox center to overcome their addiction. The first step of treatment is physical detox–the body’s natural process of removing alcohol and toxins from itself. Many people experience uncomfortable physical symptoms while going through detox. Some of the physical symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. It is important to seek medical supervision and treatment while going through alcohol withdrawal to avoid potentially life-threatening symptoms.
If you or someone you care about are struggling with alcohol addiction and require supervised detox, reach out to the Northern Illinois Recovery Center staff. We offer programs designed to help people have a safe, comfortable detox from alcohol. Call 855.786.1978 for more information about our addiction treatment programs Illinois.
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Physical Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. When people drink alcohol excessively over time, the CNS becomes more active to counteract the depressing effects of alcohol. When people stop drinking suddenly, the CNS remains in this overactive state. People experience a range of physical symptoms starting 6-12 hours after their last drink, including:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors or shaking
- Headaches
- Intense cravings for alcohol
At 24-48 hours after their last drink, many people become dehydrated because of their nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. People may also develop delirium tremens, which is a rare but serious symptom of alcohol withdrawal. When people have delirium tremens, they experience hallucinations, overheating, seizures, and are at risk of death without immediate medical intervention.
What Happens in Illinois Alcohol Detox Programs?
People who go through an Illinois Alcohol Detox program are more likely to have a safe, complete withdrawal from alcohol than people who attempt to manage their own detox. First, people in a detox program receive monitoring for their symptoms, which allows them to get through the withdrawal period safely. They receive treatment, including fluids, comfort measures, and medications that allow them to feel as comfortable as possible during this time.
People in a detox program can go through withdrawal in a safe, secure, calm environment. They have access to the medical treatment they need and the support and care they deserve.
Why Should I Go Through Withdrawal at a Drug and Alcohol Detox Center?
One of the most important aspects of an alcohol detox program is that it gives people distance from alcohol when their cravings are likely to be intense. This allows people to have a complete withdrawal. Other benefits include:
- A safe, stable environment
- Medical care in an emergency
- Comfort measures to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support from staff and peers
- Planning for treatment programs and aftercare
Research shows that people who go through detox at an alcohol and drug rehab in Illinois are more likely to have long-term success in recovery. Going through withdrawal on your own can be dangerous, and you are more likely to have a relapse. There is no debate: going through withdrawal at a drug and alcohol detox center is the smart, safe choice.
Learn More About Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you or someone you love require alcohol detox and is typing in and searching alcohol rehab near me, you are not alone. The staff at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center offer specialized, compassionate treatment to people struggling with addiction. Our programs are designed to give people the medical care and emotional support they need to overcome addiction. In addition to our alcohol detox program, we offer:
- DUI rehab program
- Women’s addiction treatment center
- Men’s addiction treatment center
- Young adult addiction treatment center
- Addiction aftercare
- 12 step program
Don’t wait another day for the treatment you need. Call 855.786.1978 to speak to one of our admissions counselors or fill out an online intake form.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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