Binge drinking, frequent blackouts, and habitual drunkenness are signs of an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol abuse can kill. But what about quitting? Can you die from alcohol withdrawal?
Quitting Cold-Turkey is a Bad Idea
You resolve to put an end to the drinking habit and empty your bottles into the sink. You take the empties into the recycling bin. Next, you tell a friend not to give you any money to buy alcohol.
Then the withdrawal symptoms begin. Alcohol addiction treatment center specialists routinely work with people who relapse at this stage. They have good intentions but can’t follow through. The withdrawal symptoms are too strong.
Can You Die from Alcohol Withdrawal?
For some, this might be a blessing in disguise. There is a mortality rate when stopping alcohol abuse. It’s frequently the result of unintended consequences. Most importantly, it happens when you quit drinking without medical supervision.
Without this safety precaution, you might fall victim to dehydration leading to organ failure, seizure activity, and delirium tremens. You may hurt yourself when you encounter hallucinations and don’t know what’s real and what isn’t.
Can you die from alcohol withdrawal when you do so under medical supervision? The odds are very low that you might die from detoxification at a facility. In fact, medical supervision now anticipates emergencies through baseline readings. Medical professionals act quickly if they believe that you are in trouble.
Moreover, there are medications in place that make the process less painful. Medication-assisted treatment also minimizes cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, it’s always safest to check into detox to quit a drinking habit.
In Perspective: Relapse and Alcohol Abuse also Have a Mortality Risk
Can you die from alcohol withdrawal if you recently quit drinking? It’s possible that an early relapse results in a serious health risk. Your body no longer has the same tolerance as it once did. Therefore, drinking the same amount of alcohol as you did before could lead to fatal alcohol poisoning.
Dealing with an Alcohol Use Disorder
Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Teens and young adults, in particular, need early intervention. Sometimes, it’s possible to avert a use disorder in its early stages. Rehab facilities that cater to this demographic are good options.
Boise substance abuse programs include:
- Family therapy, which encourages honesty in communication and a return to functional interactions
- Dual diagnosis treatment for teens and young adults with co-occurring anxiety, personality disorders, and similar conditions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy as a way to apply new coping skills to areas of dysfunction
- Group therapy that allows for peer interactions, feedback, and positive pressure
- Individual counseling that focuses on your unique needs for healing and lifelong recovery
Don’t you owe it to yourself and your loved one to find a recovery center that can help? So, can you die from alcohol withdrawal? Yes – if you don’t have the help you need during the process. Work with Zelus Recovery to find out how to stay safe; call 208.518.0797 today.
