Alcohol Withdrawal Statistics and Prevalence
At some time, 20% of men and 10% of women in most Western countries will have an alcohol-use disorder, defined as repetitive alcohol-related problems in at least 2 of a dozen areas of life. These conditions can decrease the life span by a decade and are associated with severe impairments in social functioning and many medical problems. About 50% of persons with alcohol-use disorders have symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they reduce or discontinue their alcohol consumption; in 3 to 5% of these persons, convulsions or severe confusion (delirium), or both develop. Although alcohol-related conditions occur in persons from all social levels and affect more than 20% of patients in most medical settings, few physicians have been adequately trained in identifying and treating these severe problems.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with depressants such as alcohol include insomnia, anxiety, increased pulse and respiration rates, body temperature, blood pressure, and hand tremors. Because of the fast action of ethanol (beverage alcohol), withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 8 hours after blood alcohol levels decrease, peak at about 72 hours, and are markedly reduced by days 5 through 7 of abstinence. Alcohol withdrawal and the severity of its symptoms are closely monitored at La Jolla Recovery alcohol detox to identify the most effective treatments.
Background Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), known as delirium tremens, is the most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The classic clinical presentation of AWD includes hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. The incidence of AWD averages 5% in placebo-treated alcohol-dependent patients entered into clinical trials of inpatient drug treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Clinical features of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can appear within hours of the last drink, but delirium typically does not develop until 2 to 3 days after the cessation. Alcohol withdrawal delirium usually lasts 48 to 3 days, but there have been case reports of much longer duration. Initial studies found mortality to be as high as 15%, but with advances in treatment, mortality rates have fallen, with more recent studies indicating mortality of 0% to 1%. The pandemic has seen the number of alcohol abusers increase exponentially. We understand how stress and anxiety affect our alcohol consumption and its impact on our lives.
At La Jolla Recovery, we attend to the alcohol withdrawal symptoms at the detox level for rehab to be more effective.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment may be used for the appropriate treatment of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Medications should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for alcohol withdrawal, hallucinations, or other symptoms, so a comprehensive detox approach is suggested. Medical and clinical attention to the proper alcohol withdrawal and detox will be provided to your unique needs.
Severe alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens may add to the fear or anxiety of getting help or beginning the alcohol detox step. La Jolla Recovery combines cutting-edge Western techniques with Eastern modalities at our state-of-the-art addiction and detox center. Contact our experienced team of clinicians if any of these alarming signs of alcoholic intoxication feel familiar to you. Be aware that a loved one may have a dual diagnosis, mental health, and abuse substances such as heroin, prescription, or cocaine. Whether adhering to 12 steps or needing a non-spiritual approach, such as Practical Recovery, we want to provide the right program for your alcohol detox and withdrawal needs.
La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Bay beaches will wake you up with a breeze to support the positive transition toward health. After alcohol detox, you might continue recovery at one of our rehabs or outpatient centers. Are you wondering if you should choose inpatient or outpatient? We’re here to answer all your alcohol rehabilitation questions. If you abuse Klonopin, benzodiazepines, or heroin, we will attend to your alcohol withdrawal with the proper attention, including multiple substance addictions or opiate support.