One of the hardest things that any addict or alcoholic has to go through when trying to quit is withdrawal.

Substance abusers over time develop a chemical dependency on their substance of choice. Not only has the abuse conditioned their mind to become dependent on the intake of a substance, but their bodies have also become reliant on the presence of the substance in their system.

Not everyone who quits cold turkey on alcohol has withdrawal symptoms but most people who have developed a dependence on alcohol do. Depending on a person’s level of dependency, the symptoms of withdrawal can range from mild to severe and even possibly life threatening. These “mild” physical symptoms may include nausea, insomnia, heart palpitations and loss of appetite and these could also be accompanied by psychological symptoms like anxiety, irritability, depression and fatigue. Severe symptoms may include alcohol withdrawal seizures, fever, and hallucinations.

Mild to moderate symptoms can be manageable but the severe symptoms may require proper facilities and medical attention. Mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be eased along with support and encouragement but support and encouragement, though valuable, will not be enough for those who have severe symptoms. Seizures in particular can be quite frightening for an inexperienced onlooker and especially for the patient as well.

Seizures can be relatively harmless but prolonged and repeated seizures, specifically in this case, alcohol withdrawal seizures can be potentially fatal. The patient can risk asphyxiation and brain damage from a seizure. Should a person have a seizure for the first time, it is important to keep their head cushioned and to lay them on the ground in a safe area. It may seem like a good idea to restrain a person who is having alcohol withdrawal seizures but it is better to merely keep them safe; at the time of the convulsions they are not aware of what is happening and they have no control over their bodies. It is important to ensure that nothing is blocking their air passage and to try to keep them on their side in case they vomit.

Hallucinations and alcohol withdrawal seizures are uncontrollable and without proper care, the patient may cause harm not only to himself but also to others. There are many treatments available for recovering alcoholics and a number of facilities also offer specialized treatment. Some facilities will have inhouse detoxification services while others would have patients go through the detoxification at a separate facility. The length of time spent in a facility will vary but for the most part any patient can choose to walk out of the facility even if the treatment has not yet been finished. It is important then to be resolute and to personally commit to staying and finishing the treatment.