Everyone who has ever had a drinking problem knows how hard it is to quit their habit of cold turkey. At first, it might seem easy to do, but soon enough, you will feel the urge to drink kicking in.
Those in the throes of alcohol withdrawal can do some incredible damage to themselves and those around them. We want to help you avoid this and make your journey to sobriety safer.
If you or your loved one wants to quit drinking, there’s no better time than now. The more you know about alcohol withdrawal, the more empowered you’ll feel to prevent relapse. Let’s examine both the dangers of quitting cold turkey and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Does Quitting Cold Turkey Means?
Quitting cold turkey means that someone stops using a substance suddenly and completely, without tapering off or using any type of replacement. This can be difficult, sometimes dangerous, or even life-threatening, as withdrawal symptoms can be intense.
Cold turkey quitting is often associated with dependence on alcohol or nicotine, but it can be done with any substance.
The Risks Of Alcohol Withdrawal
When someone decides to quit drinking alcohol cold turkey, they are at risk of experiencing serious and potentially deadly side effects. Some of the most common side effects of alcohol withdrawal include seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs).
Seizures are the most dangerous side effect and can occur within the first 24–72 hours of withdrawal. Hallucinations and DTs peak around 48-96 hours after the last drink. Other side effects of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and nausea.
While not all of these side effects are life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for someone to stick to their sobriety goals.
If you or someone you know is considering quitting alcohol, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure a safe and successful withdrawal process.
How To Quit Alcohol Safely
If you want to quit drinking, there are a few things you can do to make it a safer process. First, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to quit drinking. They can help you come up with a plan to safely detox from alcohol.
You can also try the Sinclair method alcohol to taper off alcohol safely and avoid withdrawal symptoms and other dangers. There are also many support groups available to help you through the process of quitting alcohol. These groups can provide you with moral support and help you stay on track.
Finally, make sure to have a solid support system in place before you quit drinking. This support system can be friends, family, or a professional service. Having someone to help you through the tough times can make all the difference.
Begin Your Journey To Sobriety
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Quitting cold turkey can be extremely dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision.
There are many resources available to help you on your journey to sobriety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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