Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey: Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Risks

Understanding the Risks of Quitting Drinking on Your Own

Alcohol is an unusual drug and a particularly insidious one. Its legal status makes it easy to find, even for those who are underage. Its widespread social acceptance leads many people to think that its use is no big deal. The jokes about drinking can cause even those with serious drinking problems to minimize the impact their alcohol use has on their lives and the lives of those around them.

If you have been drinking to excess, you have probably tried to stop a time or two, and the fact that you have thus far been unsuccessful should give you a glimpse of just how addictive this seemingly innocuous substance really is. The truth is quitting cold turkey is rarely, if ever, effective, and in many cases stopping drinking abruptly can even be counterproductive.

If you want your next attempt to stop drinking to be successful, you need professional help and guidance during alcohol detox, and that is precisely what you will find at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. Your path to sobriety begins with a single phone call, so pick up the phone today and give us a call.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the worst things about quitting cold turkey is the severity of the withdrawal symptoms you are likely to experience. Without professional help and expert medical management during alcohol detox, these withdrawal symptoms can be enough to cause even the most dedicated individual to start drinking again.

Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms you can expect to experience if you choose the cold turkey method instead of a dedicated and scientifically proven one:

• Heavy sweating
• Hot and cold flashes
• Irregular heartbeat
• Changes in breathing
• Agitation and depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

There are many risks associated with the cold turkey method many alcoholics use to stop drinking. These risks are genuine and very dangerous, and that is why it is so important to seek professional help with your alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Here are some of the risks you may encounter if you try to stop drinking on your own:

• Shaking and chills
• Excessive sweating
• Changes to heart rhythm
• Possible seizures
• Stomach pain and nausea
• Relapse and binge drinking

Why Medical Detox Is Recommended for Alcohol Withdrawal

As you can see, the DIY approach to alcohol withdrawal is dangerous and counterproductive, but there is a better way. Medical detox is a much more effective and far safer approach to alcohol withdrawal, one that preserves your comfort and prepares you for the next steps on your journey to sobriety.

Through the use of specialized pharmaceuticals, medical detox can significantly reduce the severity and discomfort of any withdrawal symptoms you feel, helping you stay as comfortable as possible. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we employ a team of doctors, nurses, and other professionals, all dedicated to making your medical detox experience as effective and productive as possible.

Alcohol Rehab After Detox at WhiteSands

If you are tired of your failed attempts at sobriety and ready to get sober once and for all, it is time to abandon your DIY efforts and seek professional alcohol detox and rehab instead. You can succeed and overcome your alcoholism, but doing so will require a dedicated approach, one that addresses not only your drinking but the root causes for it.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we are experts at helping our clients uncover those root causes, delving deeply into the factors and life events that caused them to start drinking to excess in the first place. Armed with that critical information, the patients we work with can develop the coping skills they will need going forward to stay sober long after they have walked out the doors of our facilities.

Even when you are home, we will continue to support you through integration with local 12-step programs, through education and information, and through an association that includes other recovering alcoholics. We succeed when you succeed, and your success is our success. Your path to sobriety begins with a single phone call, so make that call today and take the next step toward a better life.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.