Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia. It’s so common that many people wouldn’t class it as a drug or understand that it can be both addictive and harmful. In reality, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism and even the need for drug rehab.

Many people who consume alcohol to excess will reach a point where they realise they have a problem. However, some would naturally assume that, like cigarettes, you can quit “cold turkey” without there being any real side effects. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be extremely dangerous, and the withdrawal symptoms are very real.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can differ, depending on whether you’ve been on a bender for a few weeks, or you’re a long-term drinker. Symptoms can present themselves even within a few hours of your last drink and can continue for days – or even weeks.

Cravings, depression, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are all some of the most common side effects as your body comes to terms with what it’s experiencing and attempts to flush out the toxins. Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, headaches, sleeplessness, and nightmares, are relatively common too.

Many alcoholics who book into drug rehab facilities, or try to quit on their own, can even suffer from delirium tremens, also known as DTs. This condition is a severe stage of alcohol withdrawal which consists of fever, hallucinations, agitation, and seizures within about three days of quitting alcohol. The more you drink, the more severe symptoms are likely to be.

How to Deal with Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

If you know you have a drinking problem, then it’s time to get help. If you try and quit on your own and face the withdrawal symptoms solo, you can be in for a rough ride. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can not only be challenging to work through on your own, but dangerous – and even fatal.

Book into a drug rehab facility where you can experience some of the best care available. Trained professionals can help you manage your symptoms, and could even provide sedation in severe cases. They are also on-hand to help with complications, therapy, and alcohol cessation support.

If you have a strong urge to drink, can’t control how much you drink, and require more and more to feel happy or content, then it’s time to seek help. Alcoholism is not always easy to detect, and it can soon snowball into a significant problem that you can’t handle on your own.

 Excess alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, brain damage, cancer, and liver disease. Seek help at a drug rehab facility sooner rather than later, and put yourself on the road to recovery.