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Alcohol can be dangerous to abuse, but it can also be dangerous to quit too quickly. If you’ve been drinking heavily for a time and then quit cold turkey, you may experience some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms of any substance. Alcohol withdrawal can include dangerous symptoms like seizures, which can come on suddenly and lead to serious consequences. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses a spectrum of drinking behaviors, from risky or harmful use to alcohol dependence. Effective treatment aims to address both the physical dependence on alcohol and the psychological factors that contribute to alcohol misuse. Successful long-term recovery typically involves a combination of medical support, psychosocial therapies and community-based resources.
What to Do if Someone Is Having Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures?
American Addiction Centers (AAC), the parent company for Alcohol.org, is a nationwide provider of treatment providers and works to ensure recovery is accessible to everyone in need. We offer a combination of proven therapies and services to meet your individual needs. We are also equipped to treat co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and others. If you or someone you care about abuses alcohol, you might be concerned about the negative consequences of drinking too much. Below, you’ll learn more about seizures, how they can be linked to alcohol use, abuse and alcoholism, and how to know whether you or someone you love might be addicted to alcohol.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions
Even if you are no longer dependent on alcohol, you may have a compulsion to drink that’s hard to control. Benzodiazepines are also central nervous system depressants that work in the brain the same way as alcohol. They can ease many alcohol withdrawal symptoms, allowing your body to adjust slowly. However, benzodiazepines can also be addictive, so they should be taken with a doctor’s guidance.
- Understanding the relationship between alcohol withdrawal and seizures is crucial in addressing this serious concern.
- At The Springboard Center, our medical team carefully monitors benzodiazepine use to ensure patient safety.
- There are some specific considerations that may affect your risk of seizures when using alcohol.
- Because chronically abusing alcohol can lead to addiction, physiological dependency can make it difficult to stop drinking even if alcohol consumption is affecting a person’s health.
- Medications may also be prescribed to alleviate cravings and reduce seizure risk.
Minimizing Seizure Risk When Quitting Alcohol
Substance withdrawal is the process the body goes through after discontinuing or reducing the amount of an addictive substance (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, opiates, and other drugs). Doctors may use medications to ease discomfort, prevent seizures, and manage anxiety. At this stage, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol range from mild discomfort to severe complications and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. This is why medical supervision is often recommended for those quitting alcohol after long-term or heavy use.
Learn More About Outpatient Addiction Treatment That Works
At The Springboard Center, our medical team carefully monitors benzodiazepine use to ensure patient safety. Chronic alcohol use disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Alcohol enhances the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system while suppressing glutamate, which excites it. When alcohol use is stopped suddenly, the body, which has developed a dependency on alcohol to maintain normal functioning, experiences a state of shock.
- Seizures caused by alcohol are commonly referred to as alcohol-related seizures.
- Certain medical conditions can contribute to an increased risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures.
- You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Alcohol Withdrawal and the Risk of Seizures
Withdrawal seizures are caused by the disruption of brain chemistry due to chronic alcohol use. Prolonged alcohol consumption alters neurotransmitter activity, and sudden cessation leads to hyperexcitability in the brain. Alcohol throws a wrench in the works by mimicking GABA and increasing its depressant effects.
They can help determine the risk of severe symptoms and provide information, resources, and possibly other necessary treatment options. Alcohol misuse can lead to a condition known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is characterized by a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. One of the potential consequences of AUD is the development of alcohol withdrawal syndrome when a person abruptly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence and considering Sober living home quitting, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.
After graduating from residential treatment, program participants generally transition to outpatient treatment. Clients who have work responsibilities or provide care for children or other family members at home may receive treatment at a rehab facility, go to work, and spend time at home. Our Residential Program provides a structured, supportive environment where patients can focus on their recovery. With individual, group, and gender-specific counseling, as well as chemical dependence education and relapse prevention classes, we help patients build the skills they need to maintain sobriety. These neurological changes can be a precursor to seizures and should be treated as a medical emergency.
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal or is concerned about the risk of seizures, it is important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can provide guidance and support for safely managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who have a history of seizures, including those unrelated to alcohol, may face an increased risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures. The brain’s susceptibility to seizures may be heightened due to the presence of prior seizure activity. It’s essential for individuals with a history of seizures to exercise caution when discontinuing alcohol use and seek medical guidance to manage potential withdrawal symptoms.