When it comes to stopping alcohol consumption, many people try quitting alcohol cold turkey. And yet, because of the effect alcohol has on the brain, abruptly stopping can lead to uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Stopping on your own puts you at risk of relapse or even death. We will show you how to safely quit drinking by detoxing from alcohol at a rehab facility. Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, it’s best to work with a treatment center to reach sobriety successfully.
What Does Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Mean?
The phrase “quitting cold turkey” is odd, but it means to stop something outright, without buildup. The expression could refer to withdrawal symptoms like clammy skin and discomfort. In the sense of quitting alcohol cold turkey, the saying means to stop drinking suddenly rather than cutting back over time. Stop drinking cold turkey is a bold choice but doesn’t always have positive results.
Reasons Why People Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey
Although it’s not always successful, there are many reasons why people think they should quit drinking alcohol cold turkey. They may realize it’s time due to health concerns, relationship problems, legal troubles like a DUI, or financial issues. When people find the motivation to quit, they may try to capitalize on the impulse and stop drinking abruptly. Often, they believe it’s the easiest method.
Is Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Dangerous?
What many people don’t understand is that stopping drinking on the spot can be dangerous. Unfortunately, if you quit drinking cold turkey, you put yourself at risk of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms are overwhelming, uncomfortable, and possibly life-threatening. Some symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DT)
- Coma
As such, alcohol detox at home can be dangerous, as you can’t prevent yourself from experiencing deadly symptoms of withdrawal. In many cases, at-home withdrawal is unsuccessful and leads to relapse.
Instead, detoxing from alcohol at a facility makes the process safe and more comfortable.
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is a short process that helps the individual achieve a base level of sobriety. Over four to eight days, clients engage in medical detox to remove toxins from alcohol from the body.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
As mentioned, quitting alcohol generally causes withdrawal symptoms because the brain is dependent on the substance. When detoxing in a facility, clients still face withdrawal. Yet, they are surrounded by around-the-clock medical staff to care for them. Our expert staff monitors clients and makes adjustments as needed to prioritize their safety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
Our medical staff can provide comfort medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable. After detox, some clients require continued pain medication for their addiction. These clients can enter medication-assisted treatment (MAT), where they receive medication support along with therapy and counseling.
Alcohol Use Statistics
Alcohol use is a worldwide issue that affects millions of people. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that over 28 million people over 18 struggle with alcohol use disorder. AUD is a condition that ranges from mild to severe. In the worst cases, AUD can lead to permanent brain damage, physical impairment, or death.
Get confidential help from our addiction and mental health treatment facilities located across the United States. Call to join one of our quality programs today!
Speak With Our Admissions TeamCan a Treatment Center Help Me Quit Alcohol?
Alcohol addiction can feel like a life sentence, and yet it can be overcome through treatment. Truthfully, the best way to detox from alcohol is by getting help from a rehab center. Our expert staff are knowledgeable about alcohol abuse, detoxification, and things to help with alcohol withdrawal. For example, we can provide comfort medication to make the process smoother. Treatment includes a mixture of psychotherapy and holistic therapy for addiction healing.
Medical and Clinical Professionals
As mentioned, at Aliya’s alcohol abuse treatment facilities, you will find caring and skilled medical staff. Our team is composed of doctors, therapists, case managers, and substance abuse counselors.
Psychotherapy for Alcohol Abuse
All clients in addiction rehab engage in traditional psychotherapies. Through individual and group therapy sessions, they unpack the feelings and habits that keep them stuck in the cycle of addiction. By engaging in behavioral therapies, individuals learn to replace old habits with healthy new ones.
Holistic Treatments for Alcohol Abuse
Holistic therapies are experiential activities that target the whole body. Healing is only accomplished by treating the mind, body, and soul. As such, we combine holistic treatment with traditional therapies to promote whole-body wellness. Some of the holistic treatments we offer for alcohol abuse include:
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Sound therapy
- Art therapy
- Outdoor activity
- Neurofeedback
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
What Are the Benefits of Quitting Alcohol?
Unsurprisingly, there are ample benefits to quitting drinking alcohol. Alcohol has many adverse effects on your body and brain, especially after abusing alcohol for a long time. Stopping chronic alcohol abuse can eventually reverse some of the dangerous risks of alcohol misuse. For instance, alcohol weakens the liver and kidneys and can cause heartburn, aches and pains, and heart damage. Quitting relieves your organs from the extra work they have to do to detox alcohol from your system. Further, becoming sober can improve your finances, relationships, and career growth.
Alcohol abuse traps individuals in the cycle of dependence and withdrawal, but entering rehab gives you the tools to escape.
Looking for quality treatment for substance abuse and mental health that’s also affordable? Aliya Health Group's treatment facilities accept most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now!
Check Your CoverageHow Long Is Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol rehab will have different timelines for different people, all depending on their unique situation. Factors include their history of addiction, genetics, home life, responsibilities, and diagnosis, such as co-occurring disorders.
We provide a full continuum of care in addiction treatment that ensures individuals progress toward sobriety. Clients who enter rehab with alcohol in their system begin with detoxification and can move through all the levels. However, some people do not receive treatment linearly because they require flexibility. For example, they may begin PHP, where they attend sessions during the day and return home in the evenings.
Levels of Care for Alcohol Rehab
We separate our rehab into levels of care that represent the client’s progression. The levels of care are:
- Detoxification
- Residential inpatient
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization treatment (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
- Aftercare
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
Residential inpatient treatment offers guidance and support to individuals beginning their rehab healing journey. Daily therapy and counseling sessions, both group and individual, equip individuals with the tools they need to prioritize their own sobriety. Notably, they live in a center where they receive 24/7 care.
Outpatient Programs for Alcohol Abuse
Outpatient treatment is a continuing level of care where clients gain more independence in their journey. Further, it’s an in-between stage for those who have worked through the beginning stages of treatment on their way towards total independence.
Aftercare for Alcohol Abuse
The last stage of recovery is aftercare, where clients engage in independent sober living. They are welcome to live in one of our sober housing communities, where they’ll be surrounded by peers who are committed to abstinence. Most of all, Aliya clients have a support community for life, even as they navigate the world after rehab.
If you’re ready to stop drinking, don’t try quitting alcohol cold turkey. Instead, talk to us about entering treatment for alcohol addiction. We are ready to take your call and help you with the next steps.
