Alcohol Detox Symptoms

Human body develops its own mechanism of functioning normally, in presence of alcohol in the body. The brain adjusts to the usual amount of alcohol in the blood, of the regular alcohol drinker. Eventually, the person has to rely on larger doses of alcohol to experience the same 'high'. When the person ceases to consume the required amount of alcohol, the body fails to function in a normal way. As a result, the individual experiences several health issues, that are collectively termed as 'alcohol detox symptoms' or 'withdrawal symptoms'. Alcohol detoxification is the process of removing the alcohol from the body. Depending upon the amount of alcohol, to which the system of an individual has become immune, the severity of these symptoms ranges from mild to severe.

Mild Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Mild symptoms of alcohol detox are not necessarily dangerous. These symptoms develop during the initial days, after refraining from alcohol. However, the craving for alcohol is so much that the person often finds it difficult to remain resolute. Additionally, the symptoms of alcohol detoxification often force the person to resume his usual dose of drinking. Lot of support and counseling is required at this stage, to help the person quit alcohol. The mild symptoms of alcohol detox include:

• Feeling of jumpiness or nervousness.
• Feeling of shakiness.
• Anxiety.
• Irritability.
• Bad temper.
• Headache.
• Sweating of the palms of the hands.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Insomnia.
• Paleness.

Moderate Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
This is the next stage, when the symptoms become more severe. Some of these may be potentially threatening. Medical intervention is required at this stage to cure the person. Moderate symptoms of alcohol detox include:

• Emotional volatility, sudden emotional changes.
• Depression.
• Difficulty in thinking clearly.
• Fatigue.
• Bad dreams.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Enlarged or dilated pupils.
• Skin becomes clammy.
• Abnormal body movements.
• Trembling of the hands.
• Involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids.

Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Severe symptoms begin to develop within 48 hours to 6 days of alcohol abstinence. Although, these symptoms are of visual nature, sometimes olfactory or auditory senses can also be involved. These symptoms are often of serious nature and can claim a person's life, if not treated on time.

• Excessive irritability.
• Increased depression.
• Fever.
• Increased difficulty in thinking clearly.
• Convulsions.
• Extreme emotional changes.
• Delirium tremens (Dts).
• Seizures.
• Muscle tremors.
• Black outs.
• Severe autonomic nervous system over activity.
• Visual hallucinations.
• Extreme anxiety.

Alcohol detoxification is a painful process, as there is a lot of physical and psychological trauma associated with alcohol detox symptoms. Many people find it stressful to face their routine life after coming out of alcohol rehab. Some of them revert to drinking alcohol again, as they are unable to cope with this pressure. Hence, many people go for alcohol detox at home, which helps them avoid alcohol right from the beginning and also helps them to cope with the challenges that life puts forth.