Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous for many different reasons when someone is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The moment the alcohol wears off is when withdrawal symptoms begin. Anyone who has ever had a hangover has experienced alcohol withdrawal. However, for someone with AUD, alcohol withdrawal is much more intense and can be potentially fatal for certain individuals.
What Does “Cold Turkey” Mean?
“Cold turkey” means to cease and stop doing something immediately. For example, quitting alcohol cold turkey is to stop drinking. Some people will think this is the best approach to deal with a drinking problem. They will dump out all alcohol in the house and stop going out to bars and clubs. They will attempt to manage quitting all on their own.
The Risk of Quitting Suddenly
There are several risks of quitting alcohol cold turkey due to the changes alcohol causes in the brain. Alcohol alters chemical processes in the brain and forces the release of certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for euphoria and pleasure.
When someone stops drinking suddenly, dopamine and neurotransmitter levels are out of balance. So, the person enters withdrawal while the body starts the healing process to restore neurotransmitter balance. It is during this time people will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Some of these can be quite uncomfortable and intense. Some people can also experience tremors, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can be fatal when they occur when the person is not receiving medically supervised alcohol rehab.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
When someone quits alcohol cold turkey, their body essentially goes into shock. For someone with AUD, their body does not know how to function with alcohol. As a result, they will experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms.
The extent, severity, and intensity does vary from person to person. This is because it is related to how long someone has been addicted to alcohol. Withdrawal is also related to the amount drank, the frequency, and whether the person binge drinks.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the more common alcohol withdrawal symptoms people experience are:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hot and cold flashes
- Confusion and disorientation
- Dehydration
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- DTs
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Irregular heart-rate/blood pressure
When Withdrawal Become Life-Threatening
Withdrawal becomes life-threatening in a few different situations. For instance, when someone is vomiting frequently, they can become dehydrated. Many people going through unsupervised alcohol withdrawal will not remember to drink water to remain hydrated. Dehydration can become life-threatening.
Another situation where withdrawal becomes life-threatening is when they experience tremors and seizures. They may seem mild when they occur, but they are often an early warning that DTs will happen in the individual. DTs can be fatal without medical supervision.
People who experience DTs also often experience dizziness and hallucinations. Both of these withdrawal symptoms could lead to accidents, such as falling down stairs or even walking out into traffic.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
Medication supervision matters when quitting alcohol cold turkey. Several different FDA-approved medications can be prescribed to address the more severe and intense withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, people receive round-the-clock care, monitoring, and support to help them safely manage their withdrawal symptoms.
The Benefits of Professional Help
There are numerous benefits of medically supervised alcohol detox. For starters, individuals have access to medical professionals and addiction specialists. Next, medically supervised detox is provided in a safe, supportive, and caring environment, free from outside distractions. In addition, people have access to comprehensive evidence-based and holistic interventions and modalities personalized to their specific needs.
Furthermore, they participate in individual and group sessions for further support and to develop coping skills. Lastly, people who get professional help to quit alcohol cold turkey are more likely to be successful and avoid relapse.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Quitting alcohol cold turkey can become severe and life-threatening without professional help. When someone experiences confusion, dizziness, irregular heart rate, dehydration, hallucinations, seizures, or DTs, seek emergency care. They should go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. It is vital to let medical professionals know the individual is experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
How Rehab Can Support Your Recovery
Medically supervised detox and rehab support one’s recovery when quitting alcohol in various ways. The person has direct access to a team of medical and addiction professionals to help manage withdrawal symptoms. The individual has access to individual and group therapy. These sessions allow people to uncover the underlying causes of AUD and develop effective coping skills.
People can also learn from others’ experiences while building a strong peer support network. Upon completion of rehab, people have access to aftercare and alumni services to help them maintain their newly found sobriety.
Start Alcohol Detox and Rehab in Columbus Today
Avoid the risks of quitting alcohol cold turkey with medically supervised detox at Ohio Addiction Recovery Center. Our caring and supportive team is here to help provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment tailored to you. We also offer gender-specific rehab for men and women to address their unique needs. Contact us today to discover the path to a brighter, alcohol-free life.
