Alcohol addiction is a very serious condition that affects millions of people every single year. Many people believe that alcoholics are predisposed to their addictions. However, it takes a lifetime of drinking to become an alcoholic. If you suspect you know someone that is struggling with an alcohol addiction, you should confront them and implore them to seek medical help as soon as possible. They may need to go through a detox program before checking into rehab. However, detox symptoms can be very painful, so you should only undergo a detox with the supervision of a medical professional.

Degrees Of Addiction 

Alcoholism can be broken down into a few stages. The first stage is known as the early years of alcohol addiction. This is when the drinker is no longer drinking for the same reasons they started drinking. They are drinking purely for the mood changing effects as opposed to social events or pure enjoyment. Stage two is representative of more alcohol more frequently and can lead to risky or dangerous behavior.  This is when drinking is uncontrollable and leads to a loss of control regarding physical and mental capacities. At this point it is very important that medical attention be sought.

Health Effects 

There are many symptoms associated with coming off of alcohol. These symptoms depend on the severity of the addiction as well as the duration of the addiction. They range from mild to life threatening if not treated properly in a detox facility. Symptoms include the shakes, sweats, nausea, headaches, increased blood pressure, as well as a rapid heart beat.  More serious detox symptoms include hallucinations and seizures. These occur between 6 and 48 hours after taking the last drink. The hallucinations are usually visual but can feature sounds and smells as well. Seizures and convulsions are common as well and can be dangerous if not medically treated.

Consequences Of Addiction 

There are many negative side effects associated with alcohol addiction. One of these negative side effects is known as delirium tremens.  This refers to a person going through severe withdrawal symptoms that can cause them to shake and become very ill. It can affect their breathing and heart rate, as well. Currently, there is no medical treatment for delirium tremens. However, scientists are currently working on one because it can be a potentially lethal side effect. This is just another reason why alcohol detox, with the supervision of medical professionals, is so important.

Again, if you know someone who is struggling with an alcohol addiction, it is important that you convince them to seek help immediately. Without a medical intervention, it is very unlikely that a person will be able to quit drinking on their own. Also, if the person is severely addicted to alcohol, it may be necessary that they undergo a detox process. Detox symptoms can be very painful, which is why it is important to only undergo a detox procedure with the assistance of a medical professional. Once the detox process is complete, the alcoholic can check themselves into a rehab facility where they can continue to work on their sobriety.