Alcohol Withdrawal in Grand Rapids, MI 616-828-4790

When a person has a physical and mental dependence on a substance and stops taking it, withdrawal occurs. Alcohol withdrawal in Grand Rapids begins because the body and brain functions of the addicted individual have been altered due to prolonged or heavy use. The body's negative reaction to the absence of these toxins is known as alcohol withdrawal. If you are experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in Grand Rapids, call Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids at 616-828-4790 for assistance on finding an addiction treatment facility.

The following list is substance abuse signs:

Tolerance is when a person needs more of the substance to feel the same effect.
Withdrawal is when the substance wears off, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms appear.
Loss of control is when substance abuse continues for longer than intended.
A desire to cut down or stop may be there, but all efforts fail.
Spending less time on activities that were important.
Time, energy and focus are spent on using substances, thinking about them or recovering from their effects.
Use continues despite it causing serious problems in numerous areas of life.

The following are some withdrawal symptom examples:

Alcohol: Tremors, agitation, nausea, headache, elevated heart rate, excessive sweating, irritability, disorientation, insomnia, nightmares, vomiting, delirium tremens, seizures

Methamphetamine: Agitation, sleeplessness, drug cravings, hostility, skin itching, aggressiveness

Heroin: Sweats, fatigue, anxiety, depression, tearing eyes, runny nose, sleeplessness, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps

Oxycontin: Yawning, dilated pupils, abdominal cramps, hot and cold flushes, excessive sweating, insomnia

Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal in Grand Rapids

Medications are used in an alcohol detox program to treat alcohol dependence by eliminating alcohol and using benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants. These meds control seizures and convulsions. Other medications also help stop further alcohol cravings and other symptoms.

These medications keep a person comfortable while they are withdrawing from alcohol. Many substance abusers try to decrease and stop on their own, but become fearful when they feel painful withdrawal symptoms. The comfort of a professionally supervised withdrawal is a point to consider when attempting to convince an abuser to seek treatment. It is reassuring to know pain will be keep to the absolute minimum.

Shock, death and a variety of painful withdrawal symptoms can occur by going cold turkey. A medical detox is the safest method. Emergency situations from complications of withdrawing can occur. This makes a detoxification, with qualified doctors and nurses on hand, the healthiest choice for a detox. A home detox can be lethal.

Principles of Effective Treatment

Different people need different treatment plans.
Treatment must always be readily available.
Treatment must address all co-existing disorders.
Treatment plans need to be flexible and modified as needs change.
Treatment cannot be rushed. Adequate time needs to be allotted for all treatments.
Counseling and behavioral therapies are needed for effective treatment.
Medications are needed for many substance abusers, both detox and withdrawal.
Co-existing mental disorders and substance abuse must be treated together.
Medical detoxification cannot stand alone. It needs follow up treatment and aftercare.
Treatment can be forced and still be effective.
Drug testing should be used, such as in court ordered treatment.
Assessment for infectious diseases and counseling should be given to reduce risky behaviors to avoid infections.
Recovery can be a lengthy process and likely will require multiple tries.

Getting Help for You or a Loved One

At Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids, we focus on educating people on addiction and helping them find the right treatment center that meets the needs of the individual client. We can be reached at 616-828-4790 and will talk to you about how we can help.