This is because alcohol can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Drinking alcohol can contribute to a variety of cognitive issues, including poor memory, slow reaction time, impaired impulse control, and poor concentration. Over time, drinking can also damage nerve cells and contribute to a loss of brain volume. Fortunately, reducing your alcohol use can help improve your sleep over time, although you might experience more sleep disturbances for some time after you quit. “Furthermore, consistent use of alcohol to induce sleep only increases the need to use alcohol in the future to get to sleep,” he explains.

1. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, treatment at a medical rehabilitation facility is your best option.
2. If your doctor thinks you might be going through alcohol withdrawal, they’ll ask you questions about your drinking history and how recently you stopped.
3. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
4. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances are of preventing life threatening complications.

There are serious, potentially life-threatening risks involved with detoxing from alcohol—especially when you’re doing it on your own. When you are detoxing from alcohol at a rehab center, nurses and doctors monitor vital signs, provide adequate nourishment and treat complications if they occur. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to peak 8 best dual diagnosis rehab centers in california 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake. AUD is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S., affecting 28.8 million adults. Without proper medical attention, an alcohol detox can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

You May Feel More Productive

People frequently use alcohol to self-medicate themselves, but when they stop drinking, these disorders can worsen. In fact, some people don’t even realize they’re dealing with mental health disorders until they stop drinking. When you stop drinking alcohol suddenly, the body reacts with a series of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are painful, difficult to manage, and may last for weeks.

Group Therapy & Counseling

Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning. Each of these symptoms can increase in intensity depending on the severity of the withdrawal. Avoid temptation entirely by removing any alcohol you have on hand. Pour it down the drain, rinse and recycle the bottles, or give your supply to someone who isn’t a heavy drinker.

Before you decide to go through alcohol withdrawal, write yourself a letter and keep it nearby for quick reference. The letter’s content should be encouraging and remind you why you are going through the challenge of detox in the first place. Pull the letter out and read it to yourself when you feel tempted. It’s even helpful to read it out loud, as this has been shown to help you retain the information more effectively.

You May Feel Irritable, Anxious, or Moody

Detoxing at home works best for people trying to quit alcohol for the first time and are likely only to have mild withdrawal symptoms. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, treatment at a medical rehabilitation facility is your best option. drinking too much alcohol can harm your health learn the facts Through therapy, support groups and medication, you’ll be supported on your path to recovery. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking.

If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment. You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. However, medically supervised detox and professional rehab are more likely to help you maintain long-term sobriety. Alcohol withdrawal (alcohol withdrawal syndrome) is a range of symptoms that can happen if you stop or significantly reduce alcohol intake after long-term use. Just because you’re detoxing at home doesn’t mean you should do it alone.

These vitamins and minerals help support nerve function and overall health, which can be compromised due to long-term alcohol use. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as they can advise on the most appropriate regimen based on individual health needs. If you don’t experience intense withdrawal symptoms, an at-home detox may be a good option.