What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long time suddenly stops or cuts down their drinking. Over time, the body becomes used to having alcohol, so when alcohol is taken away, the brain and body struggle to adjust. This change can cause both physical and mental symptoms that can range from mild to very serious, depending on the person’s alcohol use.

The Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can start as early as six hours after the last drink. These symptoms often get worse quickly. Common symptoms include anxiety, sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and trouble sleeping. While these may seem manageable, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to serious health problems, such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which are medical emergencies. This is why it is unsafe to try detoxing at home without professional help.

Why is Alcohol Withdrawal So Dangerous?

Alcohol acts as a depressant, which means it slows down the brain. Over time, the body adjusts to this and works harder to keep things running normally. When someone suddenly stops drinking, their body goes into overdrive because it has become dependent on alcohol. This imbalance can lead to dangerous symptoms. The most severe dangers include:

• Seizures: Without warning, withdrawal can lead to seizures, which are sudden and can be deadly without medical supervision.
• Delirium Tremens (DTs): This is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can lead to confusion, hallucinations, extreme agitation, and even death. DTs are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Alcohol withdrawal can cause heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.
• Psychological Distress: Anxiety, depression, and hallucinations can occur, making it difficult for individuals to cope without professional guidance.

Since these symptoms can get worse quickly, it is very important to detox in a safe, medically supervised environment.

Why You Shouldn’t Detox at Home

Because alcohol withdrawal can be so dangerous, detoxing at home is not a safe choice. Some people think they can handle it on their own, but the risks of doing so far outweigh any possible benefits. This is why professional detox services, like those offered at Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, are the safest option.

Medical Supervision

At-home detox does not provide the medical supervision needed for safety. Alcohol withdrawal can become life-threatening in just a few hours. In contrast, Briarwood Detox Center provides 24/7 medical care to keep you safe. Any problems that come up can be dealt with right away by trained staff.

Individualized Care

No two people have the same experience with alcohol addiction. Because of this, Briarwood Detox Center offers personalized care designed to meet your unique needs. Our detox programs offer a full range of services, from detox to sober living, making sure you have the support you need at every step.

Evidence-Based Treatment

At Briarwood Detox Center, we use treatments that have been proven to work. These evidence-based treatments help make sure you have the best chance at a long, sober life. We treat more than just the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. We also provide emotional support to help you through this challenging time.

Long-Term Support

Detox is just the first step in your journey to recovery. Thankfully, Briarwood Detox Center offers long-term support beyond detox. Our programs help you heal in every way—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so that you can stay sober in the long run.

What to Expect from Professional Detox at Briarwood Detox Center

When you choose Briarwood Detox Center for alcohol detox in Austin, you’re choosing a safe, supportive, and complete approach to recovery. Our experienced team knows the challenges you face and tailors our care to meet your specific needs.

Here’s what you can expect when you begin your detox journey with us:

• Assessment: Upon arrival, our medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your physical and psychological needs.
• Detoxification: We offer a medically supervised detox process to ensure your safety and comfort. Medications may be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms, and you’ll have constant access to our medical team.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: We provide counseling and therapies that address more than just your physical health. Detox is as much about healing the mind and soul as it is about healing the body.
• A Continuum of Care: Detox is only the beginning. Briarwood Detox Center offers a full continuum of care, from inpatient rehab to sober living and outpatient care, ensuring you have the support you need at every stage of recovery.

Get Help Today

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that requires professional help. The dangers of trying to detox at home are simply too great. At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, we provide safe, effective, and personalized detox services to help you take the first step toward a healthier life.

Get Help Today! Don’t wait to start your journey to recovery. See availability today and check your insurance options confidentially. Most insurances are accepted. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities—let Briarwood Detox Center help you on your path to sobriety.

Drug Detox With Briarwood

Briarwood Detox Center offers detoxification treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the drug detoxification process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.

Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (512) 277 – 3103 today for more information on our programs and admission process.