If you've made a decision to stop drinking alcohol, you're probably wondering if you're ready to begin the process of recovery. After all, alcohol can have disastrous effects on your health. This article will discuss some of the most common side effects of abstinence from alcohol and provide some tips for those who are in the early stages of the recovery process. It will also look at the drugs used to treat alcoholism.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome

If you've ever been to alcohol rehab, you know that withdrawal from alcohol can be debilitating. People with alcohol addictions will typically experience a series of symptoms as the body adjusts to life without alcohol. While mild withdrawal symptoms usually disappear on their own, more serious symptoms can occur. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include hallucinations, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If you have these symptoms, contact a health care provider for immediate treatment.

Inpatient alcohol rehab can help you avoid the physical and psychological repercussions of alcohol withdrawal. It lets healthcare professionals monitor you 24 hours a day and administer medicines and intravenous fluids if necessary. An inpatient stay will also help you rule out medical conditions that could mimic alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver failure. If you're experiencing symptoms that make it impossible for you to function in your daily life, you should seek immediate medical treatment.

Drugs used to treat alcoholism

In the United States, approximately 14 percent of the population suffers from alcohol use disorders. Men suffer more from alcoholism, while women have higher rates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. There is also a high rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders among alcohol-dependent women. Several medications are currently available to treat alcoholism, including anti-psychotic drugs, serotonergic agents, and naltrexone.

SSRIs are medications that help alcoholics curb their alcohol intake. These drugs increase serotonin levels in nerve cells. This interferes with the pleasure-giving response to alcohol. As a result, the drug's effects on alcohol use are modest. People taking these medications have a 25 percent reduction in alcohol intake when compared to those who don't take them. Other drugs for alcoholism include alcohol-deprivation therapies, which aim to curb cravings and reduce cravings.

Treatment options

Behavioral counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy are common components of an alcoholism treatment plan. They can be effective in reversing the damaging effects of alcoholism by teaching patients how to recognize and replace negative thought patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term therapy, typically lasting for twelve weeks, and is particularly effective for those struggling with low self-esteem, negative experiences, or peer pressure. For many people, the main challenge in overcoming alcoholism is identifying and confronting the triggers of alcohol use.

Outpatient programs offer the most flexibility among alcoholism treatment programs, while residential treatment is the most intensive level. Outpatient clients attend group therapy, 12-step programming, and counseling sessions on their own, allowing them to maintain a sense of self-determination while undergoing recovery. Outpatient treatment is usually recommended for those who have already completed an inpatient alcohol program, but is less intensive than partial programs. These programs may include a detox program or medication.

Symptoms of abstinence

The physical effects of alcohol abuse are not immediately obvious. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of addiction, the symptoms of withdrawal may last for days or even weeks. Alcohol addiction changes the brain's chemistry, causing it to produce more GABA and less glutamate. This imbalance leads to withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, withdrawal symptoms usually pass after a period of recovery.

For those who decide to go home and attempt detoxification, they will need to consult a healthcare professional regularly to monitor their progress. The healthcare provider may be a nurse, GP, or specialist NHS service. If detoxification is done at home, the client will be given information on further support services and medication. Some individuals take Acamprosate, a drug that helps prevent relapse. It is often used in conjunction with counselling to reduce alcohol cravings.

Long-term effects of alcohol abuse

Alcohol is a highly addictive substance. It is easy to obtain, cheap, and has little or no social stigma, making it highly accessible to almost anyone. The effects of alcohol begin the moment a person takes their first drink. The brain becomes fixated on alcohol, and the consequences can be long-term and permanent. Long-term alcoholism is not merely a bad habit; it is dangerous. Read on to learn about some of the long-term effects of alcohol abuse and how you can reverse them.

One of the most common side-effects of alcohol abuse is damage to the digestive tract. Alcohol contains toxins that interfere with the digestive tract's structure and function. They also weaken the muscles in the stomach, causing heartburn and esophageal cancer. The more you drink, the more damage your digestive system will sustain. If left untreated, alcohol abuse can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.