Hundreds of Americans Die Each Year Trying to Quit Alcohol

man with bottle of alcohol

According to doctors, alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances for the body to withdraw from. Doctors also say that withdrawal risks increase if a person attempts to quit alcohol without medical supervision.

Data shows that 16 million Americans suffer from an alcohol use disorder. The National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines an alcohol use disorder as, “compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using."

People who struggle with serious symptoms of withdrawal often experience shaking, shivering, sweating, and confusion of delirium tremens. Roughly 1 in 25 people with serious symptoms of withdrawal die while attempting to quit alcohol without proper medical supervision.

Delirium tremens usually begin 48 to 72 hours after a person has had their last drink of alcohol. People suffering from delirium tremens experience the following symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Racing Heart Beat
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Fever
  • Heavy Sweating

In extreme cases, a person might experience the following symptoms:

  • Delusions
  • Violent Shaking
  • Visual Hallucinations
  • Audio Hallucinations
  • Tactile Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Less severe withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Shaky Hands
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 831 deaths that could be attributed to alcohol withdrawal. From 2007 to 2017, the total number of alcohol deaths caused by cancer, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and suicide increased by 35%. The increase was the greatest among women and people over 30, jumping by 85% in the 10 year period.

Psychologist Adi Jaffe wrote a piece in Psychology Today about the dangers of withdrawal from alcohol. She says the danger “has to do with the body's response to the extreme changes in the chemical processes going on in the brain and the rest of the body.” Another factor that adds to the risk of alcohol withdrawal is the fact that very few people are actually honest with their doctors when asked about how much the drink.

To learn more about the risks of quitting alcohol without medical assistance, click here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2018/11/27/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome-detox-delirium-tremens-hallucinations-substance-abuse-disorder/2082020002/

Alcohol Detox Treatment in Arizona

Are you or a loved one struggling to overcome alcohol addiction? Do you have more questions about medical detox? If so, you should get in touch with our rehab professionals at Decision Point Center. We are committed to helping patients fight alcoholism by providing them with a supportive, nonjudgmental detoxification treatment. We are here to help you get your life back on the track to success and good health.

Call (844) 292-5010 to discuss the alcohol treatments and therapies we offer to patients in Arizona. 

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