Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused and readily available substances in the United States. Because alcohol is such a common fixture at high school parties, college campuses, and even networking and business events, binge drinking and alcohol abuse are problems seen across all age groups. While you may think only alcoholics can experience withdrawal, the truth is that anyone who abuses alcohol, even if they don’t drink every day, can experience symptoms when they stop drinking — especially seizures from alcohol withdrawal.

Unfortunately, detoxing from alcohol can be exceptionally dangerous because you can experience delirium tremors, which can cause serious medical problems. Alcohol withdrawal seizures can, in rare cases, be fatal. Additionally, seizures from alcohol withdrawal require immediate medical intervention and treatment and can result in serious complications.

How Dangerous are Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal?

Although not everybody who detoxes from alcohol experiences seizures from alcohol withdrawal, the danger seizures pose can be fatal, especially if you are detoxing alone. While withdrawal symptoms vary depending on how much and how long you have been drinking, some of the possible withdrawal symptoms include:

• Delirium tremors, which can cause seizures and hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shakes and tremors
• Sweating and dehydration
• Heart palpitations
• Changes in your blood pressure

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause you to hit your head off of hard surfaces, resulting in head trauma. Additionally, they can result in you biting down on your tongue, which in severe cases can require stitches. If you are experiencing vomiting during withdrawal, a seizure could cause you to choke on your vomit and potentially suffocate.

Withdrawing from Alcohol

Detoxing from alcohol requires medical supervision due to the potentially severe complications it poses. During a medically supervised detox, doctors can provide medications that can help alleviate your symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Ativan help prevent seizures and alleviate symptoms such as tremors and anxiety. A doctor may also prescribe medications to help combat nausea and insomnia.

Medical staff can supervise your vital signs to ensure that your heart rate and blood pressure are stable. Detox centers ensure that you remain hydrated during detox, as dehydration is a common side effect of alcohol detox.

While medically supervised detoxification does not entirely eliminate withdrawal symptoms, it helps alleviate and control symptoms so you can tolerate withdrawal. Successfully detoxing from alcohol is an uncomfortable but necessary first step towards recovery. Completing detox while under medical supervision helps ensure you remain safe and avoid potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Finding Treatment for Alcoholism 

When you or a loved one is battling a drinking problem or alcoholism, finding a supportive, experienced treatment center is an essential first step towards recovery. Here are a few programs to consider:

• Music therapy
• Mindfulness therapy
• Fitness therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Inpatient program

Seizures from alcohol withdrawal are a severe risk during detox, which can be prevented by attending a treatment center. Beaches Recovery, the best alcohol rehab Jacksonville FL offers, provides the expertise and support you need to recover from substance abuse or drinking problem. Call us today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about how our specialized programs and world-class treatment center can help you overcome addiction.