That’s it. You’ve finally decided to stop drinking alcohol. You’re determined to get rid of this nasty habit that’s affecting your career, relationship, finances, and more importantly, your health. In your mind, you’re strong enough to do it alone. You can definitely stop drinking cold turkey. You believe that you don’t need to go to rehab or talk to a shrink for you to quit alcohol. How hard could it be?
If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. Many people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD) often think that quitting alcohol is something they can easily pull off. But the hard truth is that they don’t realize that the dangers of quitting alcohol cold turkey can even be life threatening.
In this blog post, we will list down some reasons why it’s important to get professional alcohol addiction treatment if you have alcohol dependence. We will discuss why quitting alcohol on your own without the help of a medical professional is dangerous.
You will be in danger of severe withdrawal symptoms.
When you suddenly quit drinking, you will experience several alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome may include nausea, headaches, vomiting, and insomnia. These often occur if your alcohol use is only low to moderate.
However, many long-time drinkers usually experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms called Delirium Tremens (DTs). Delirium Tremens is often characterized by extreme confusion, hallucinations, tremors, fever, and changes in mental function.
Without proper medical supervision, undergoing these withdrawal symptoms will not only be uncomfortable but can put your life at risk. On the contrary, being under a treatment plan can ensure that these symptoms are managed and treated for a smooth alcohol detox.
You will be putting your health at significant risk.
Aside from the withdrawal symptoms you will experience when quitting alcohol cold turkey, you will also be putting your body in severe stress. Because your body is so used to drinking alcohol, suddenly depriving it from the substance can disrupt the systems of your body.
Quitting cold turkey can affect your heart rate, cause high blood pressure, and put your cardiovascular system out of whack. You may also experience uncontrollable seizures and tremors. When you are inside a rehab offering alcohol addiction treatment programs, these health risks can be minimized.
You will be put under a medically supervised detox plan wherein your symptoms are monitored 24/7. Expert medical professionals who are familiar with the alcohol withdrawal process will be present to help you go through this stage of recovery.
You will be vulnerable to mental health challenges.
Anxiety, confusion, and agitation are just some of the psychological symptoms that quitting alcohol cold turkey can trigger. These mental health challenges can be difficult to navigate especially when it’s your first time experiencing them.
Without proper guidance, it makes the process of quitting alcohol use much more difficult. This guidance can be found when you enroll in an alcohol rehab. Treatment programs will usually include talk therapy to address the root causes of your alcohol problem. An expert addiction specialist will talk you through what you’re feeling and provide valuable resources so you can manage your mental health struggles.
You will not have adequate support.
You will not have adequate support.Going through alcohol withdrawal alone and surviving addiction recovery may seem like an admirable feat. But keep in mind that this is not in any way a simple and short process. Recovering from alcohol abuse can be a long and winding road. Sometimes you might feel that the end may not even be in sight.
You do not have to go through this journey alone because with proper guidance, your chance at success is so much higher. With professional help, you’ll have 24/7 support during the alcohol detox process. If there are any health emergencies, you will have expert care available to you. From inpatient rehab to aftercare and finding support groups, there will be resources and staff that you can rely on.
You will have a higher risk for relapse.
Lastly, but perhaps the most important of all, quitting cold turkey opens you up to a higher risk of relapse. Quitting alcohol is more than just stopping yourself from drinking. It’s also about healing in a holistic manner. This means addressing the different aspects of your life that makes you vulnerable to abusing alcohol.
An addiction treatment program will often include a complete suite of treatment plants that will transform your life. Aside from detox and therapy, you will be introduced to lifestyle changes, nutritional coaching, mindfulness practices, and more to heal the whole person – mind, body and spirit. This way, you can learn new and effective techniques to manage your cravings, mental health issues, and other struggles so you can finally be free from alcohol.
Best alcohol rehab in Corona Del Mar, Orange County, CA
Going through alcohol addiction treatment is one of the bravest steps you can make in your life. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness; instead, it’s a sign of strength and determination to overcome your struggles. If you’re ready to take this step, consider seeking treatment at Adelante Recovery in Southern California.
Located in the beautiful Corona Del Mar area in Orange County, Adelante Recovery provides our clients the best care with our expert medical staff. We offer our clients a safe space to recover while delightful ocean views, amazing weather, and excellent amenities to support their healing journey.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you heal.