Alcohol addiction is a struggle that touches the lives of millions of Americans and their loved ones each year. Without help to put alcohol addiction in the past, the ongoing effects of chronic alcohol use will eventually have a significant impact on your physical and psychological health. Recent data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates nearly 90,000 people lose their lives to alcohol-related causes each year. Today, alcohol abuse and addiction remain among the most preventable (but leading) causes of death across the nation. Despite known consequences of alcohol addiction, data indicates more people than ever struggle with the symptoms of alcohol use disorders. The recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows as many as 14.5 million people over the age of 12 had an alcohol use disorder in 2019. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% will ever seek or receive the help they need to safely and successfully overcome their addiction.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the process your body goes through when you decide to stop drinking. Withdrawal is the range of symptoms people experience as their body cleanses itself of alcohol and begins to function without substances. Everyone will experience some degree of withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from alcohol. The duration and severity of your symptoms will depend on the severity of your addiction. For some, detox can be accompanied by intense and potentially life-threatening symptoms. It is the more dangerous withdrawal symptoms that point to the need to detox in a safe and supported environment where medically assisted detox is available.
Does Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Bad Dreams?
The detox process occurs in stages. As you progress through each stage, the range of symptoms you experience will vary. Some may be mild, like shaking or sweating, whereas others can be traumatic and overwhelming. One symptom that doesn’t always get the same attention as some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms is alcohol-induced nightmares. Because these dreams are often unexpected and can be very vivid, they can lead to significant challenges with sleep.
Fortunately, bad dreams related to alcohol withdrawal are a temporary side effect of withdrawal. For most, the function of the brain and sleeping patterns will return to normal within a couple of weeks of quitting alcohol. If you are someone who struggles with long-term, severe addiction, it could take up to three weeks for nightmares to subside.
How to Get Help With an Alcohol Addiction Today
Detox and withdrawal are vital yet sometimes difficult parts of overcoming alcohol addiction and achieving lasting sobriety. At an addiction treatment center like Ohana Recovery Center, our caring and compassionate team of medical and mental health providers are here to provide the support and guidance you need to successfully put struggles with addiction in the past. Although detoxing on your own may seem easier at first, it is important to note that many people who try to detox cold turkey struggle with powerful withdrawal symptoms (such as nightmares) that can quickly lead to relapse. As part of supported detox, medical and mental health providers are here to help you manage difficult withdrawal symptoms, ensuring you can detox from alcohol and begin your sobriety journey.
The decision to seek addiction treatment is not without challenge. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol addiction and are ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact us at Ohan Recovery Center today. Withdrawing from alcohol can lead to symptoms that are hard to manage without help and support. Contact our admissions team today if you would like to learn more about how programs at our women-only addiction treatment center can help you achieve and maintain lasting sobriety.
