Because drinking is socially acceptable behavior, we don’t always see it as problematic or dangerous. But, the numbers paint a different picture. Reports show that about 5.6% of Americans over the age of 18 struggle with alcohol addiction. More worryingly, less than 8% of them get the help they need.
If you are one of those who have decided to quit alcohol, you may be wondering what the best option is. Should you seek professional help and go to Rehab UK or is there a way to tackle your addiction on your own?
Why Quitting Alcohol without Specialized Help at Rehab South Africa Can Be Dangerous
A lot of factors can influence your substance abuse recovery, such as how long you’ve been drinking, how much you normally drink, and whether you are dependent on alcohol. Physical dependence means that your body is now accustomed to the presence of alcohol and it needs it to function normally. If you need a drink first thing in the morning, always think about your next drink and plan your work and social life around it, get anxious and irritable if you can’t drink, and continue drinking despite the negative effects it has on your body, then these are all signs that you are dependent on alcohol.
The trouble with alcohol addiction is that stopping or cutting back may lead to alcohol withdrawal.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol has a depressive effect on our bodies. It slows down your brain function and alters the way your nervous system communicates. Over time, our bodies adapt to the presence of alcohol and work hard to keep the brain in a more awake state and enable the nerves to communicate. When the alcohol levels suddenly drop, the brain remains in that alert state, which can lead to withdrawal.
The signs of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Heavy sweating
- High blood pressure
In more severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens, a condition that can be life-threatening and includes symptoms such as hallucination, confusion, and seizures.
You Need Specialized Help – Rehab In Durban
If your addiction was mild and you managed to quit drinking without going to rehab, it may be difficult to resist temptations and stay sober. Rehab doesn’t only help you flush the substance out of your body, but also give you the tools to know how to identify certain triggers and avoid them.
There are several evidence-based methods for alcohol addiction, such as support groups, recovery coaching, medication for alcoholism, and so on. The important thing is that you find the option that you think will work for you and stick to it. Moreover, if you think that you might go through alcohol withdrawal, it’s best to let the personnel at the facility know about it so they can prepare adequately.
