One of the clearest indicators of alcohol use disorder in teens is alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While not every teen who drinks alcohol will experience withdrawal symptoms, it can be a tell-tale sign that they’re drinking too often. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening if not treated properly.
Our alcohol abuse treatment center in Ellenboro, NC, offers a safe and encouraging environment where your teen can break free from alcohol addiction and build a foundation for long-term recovery. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we’re committed to providing the best possible treatment for the teens we work with daily. We offer various holistic and evidence-based treatment options to help our residents overcome alcohol addiction. Please contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our services.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Simply put, alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who drinks heavily suddenly stops or significantly cuts back on their alcohol consumption. When those addicted to alcohol suddenly stop drinking, their bodies cannot function properly without the alcohol they’ve become dependent on. This can lead to several uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.
It’s important to note that alcohol withdrawal can happen to anyone who drinks heavily regularly and suddenly stops. However, it’s most common in those who have been drinking heavily for an extended period.
When you suddenly remove alcohol from the system, the brain reacts the same way as removing a toy from a child. The result is a wave of chemical reactions leading to various symptoms. The brain is re-adjusting to functioning without alcohol while your body cleans out the toxins. While this may lead to long-term healing, the initial symptoms are no fun to experience.
The Most Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Those who quit drinking without professional help are more likely to experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, even those who receive treatment for alcohol withdrawal may experience some uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Being irritable or easily agitated
- Needing anxiety or depression treatment
- Severe headaches that won’t seem to go away
- Shaking, chills, or fever sweats
- Stomach problems, most notably vomiting or nausea
- Disorientation
Those drinking heavily for an extended period may also experience more severe symptoms, such as delirium tremens. Delirium tremens is a serious condition that can lead to seizures, hallucinations, and even death if not treated properly. Moderate symptoms usually start to set in between six hours and twelve hours after your last drink. Subsequent symptoms can emerge up to 48 hours after your last drink. These symptoms can last for seven to fourteen days, depending on the circumstances of your addiction.
Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Acute alcohol withdrawal is a severe and sudden symptom that can occur without warning. For instance, you have a seizure or a heart complication that seems to come out of nowhere.
Acute withdrawals can cause health issues or even death if you do not have medical staff on hand to give you emergency medical attention. If you lose consciousness during acute withdrawal, you risk suffering from a problem you cannot rebound from. This is why seeking treatment at a substance abuse treatment center is highly recommended.
The Best Approach to Alcohol Addiction Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to alcohol addiction treatment. However, the most successful approach to treatment is typically a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. Family therapy, for example, can help to heal relationships that have been damaged by addiction. Individual therapy, on the other hand, can help teens work through the emotions and experiences that led to their addiction in the first place.
Find Teen Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak
While detox can be challenging, you can still get through it. Foothills at Red Oak has the facilities, treatment, and staff available to help you successfully get through your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. We also offer a range of treatment options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Adventure therapy
Foothills at Red Oak is here to help your teen through every step of the treatment process. Contact us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more.
