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Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance. At the same time, it’s also dangerous to quit abruptly without medical intervention. Many people struggling with alcohol addiction believe they can quit cold turkey on their own but trying to quit on your own can runs the risk of severe consequences.

Cravings and withdrawal are the biggest reasons why you shouldn’t try to quit alcohol suddenly, on your own, at home.

If you have developed alcohol dependence and you try to quit abruptly, the brain and body have to stabilize suddenly. Sudden stopping creates cravings that are almost impossible to resist.

Upon quitting, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which can make you change your decision to quit and push you back to drinking.

In addition to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, other factors that play a significant role in your recovery include –

  • The severity of abuse –The recovery experience of those who’ve been suffering from an alcohol use disorder for a short time will be different from someone who has been experiencing it for several years.
  • Medical issues – Heavy drinking may also lead to serious medical issues and without medical supervision to address these issues, recovery may be dangerous.
  • Relapse – Quitting suddenly puts you at a greater risk of relapse because of a lack of accountability.

Is it safe to stop drinking cold turkey?

In case of severe alcohol addiction, sudden stopping of alcohol consumption can lead to severe withdrawal and health issues with potentially deadly effects.

Alcohol is a sedative that relaxes the body. It also impacts the pleasure centers of your brain. With time, the brain adapts to heavy drinking by going into hyperactivity to continue functioning normally. Sudden quitting leaves a void that your brain needs time to fill. This may result in a wide range of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects of suddenly quitting alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal often begins within 12 to 24 hours after stopping drinking. Many people experience intense anxiety or depression. Other withdrawal side effects include –

  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Agitation
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability, aggression or hostility
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Tremors

Trying to quit on your own, at home, without medical supervision puts you at risk of developing life-threatening health problems involving your liver, heart, brain and nervous system.

Delirium tremens is a dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptom. It is not common but it can prove deadly without proper medical intervention. Delirium tremens can cause other dangerous symptoms, like seizures and cardiovascular problems.

If you are looking for drug rehab centers or alcohol treatment, check out one of the leading drug and alcohol rehabs in San Diego, call Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 right away and begin the path towards healing and taking charge of your life again.

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