Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency service number) if you or a loved one has any concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Have someone with you during the first several days of withdrawal. If seizures occur, having another person present ensures you receive help quickly. While anyone withdrawing from alcohol dependence faces some does alcohol cause seizures seizure risk, certain factors increase vulnerability significantly. People struggling with alcohol use disorder often neglect proper hydration, choosing alcohol over water and other healthy beverages.
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The brain, accustomed to constant suppression by alcohol, becomes hyperactive, leading to electrical instability that can trigger seizures. Understanding this window is essential for anyone managing or supporting someone through withdrawal, as it highlights when medical supervision is most critical. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious medical condition that requires professional support. At Tennessee Behavioral Health, our experienced team provides safe, medically supervised detox in a comfortable environment where withdrawal symptoms and seizure risks are carefully managed. Contact Tennessee Behavioral Health today to learn about our treatment programs and take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life. These seizures are a direct result of the brain’s hyperexcitability, which arises when long-term alcohol use abruptly ceases.
Alcohol withdrawal symptom timeline
They have a range of symptoms and vary in how much they affect your daily life. Seizure types also vary by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.
- Not everyone who quits drinking develops seizures or DTs, but those with a history of heavy, chronic alcohol use, prior withdrawal seizures, or co-occurring medical conditions are at higher risk.
- If you or a person in your care is hallucinating, confused, disoriented, and has a seizure, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
- The aim is to leave each day with practical skills you can apply immediately.
What is substance use disorder?
- The CIWA-Ar offers a comprehensive, nuanced assessment but requires more time and patient cooperation.
- Risk factors include prior episodes of withdrawal, concurrent medical conditions (e.g., liver disease), and older age.
- Whether due to withdrawal or a more serious underlying condition, tremors should not be ignored.
- For others, outpatient monitoring with hydration, nutrition, and psychological support could suffice.
More information about alcohol withdrawal and risks is available at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Delirium tremens represents the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and occurs in approximately 5 percent of people going through withdrawal. This condition is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Alcohol use can trigger seizures for individuals with preexisting conditions like epilepsy, especially during withdrawal.
Medical tapering using benzodiazepines is safer, more consistent, and scientifically proven to prevent seizures. Providing quality, ethical services for the treatment of alcoholism, addiction, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and mental health. When you quit drinking, your nervous system is like a car with no brakes going downhill.
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Their services are available nationwide, which is a big plus for people living in remote areas. Their process starts with a consultation to assess your safety. They aim to make the process as quick and comfortable as possible. We based this list on service quality, medical safety, and patient support. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a provider. We ensure that clients receive the same level of medical care they would get in a clinic, but without leaving their families.
How Do People Get Seizures Related to Metabolic Imbalances?
Risk factors include prior episodes of withdrawal, concurrent illness, and older age. For instance, a 55-year-old with a 20-year history of daily drinking is far more susceptible than a younger individual with shorter-term use. In navigating alcohol withdrawal, awareness of these risk factors is not drug addiction just informative—it’s actionable. It empowers individuals and healthcare providers to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and adopt strategies tailored to the unique profile of the person in withdrawal. To mitigate these risks, medical supervision is non-negotiable. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam, are often administered to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cardiovascular stress.