Because alcohol is one of the most abundant and easily accessible drugs, alcohol addiction is a real concern. Once people develop a dependence on alcohol, it’s hard for them to stop drinking due to withdrawal symptoms. It’s important for these individuals to be aware of the alcohol recovery timeline so that they’re ready for what happens next.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Yes, alcohol is a drug, and alcohol addiction is real. In fact, alcohol is an extremely addictive drug and a major problem across the United States. There’s been a sharp increase in alcohol addiction because of how abundant the drug is. People can walk into nearly any store or restaurant on any day of the week to grab a drink.
What Kind of Drug Is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant. A small amount of it helps people relax and loosen up. Experts also say that small amounts can be beneficial for heart health.
However, drinking too much alcohol causes symptoms of depression. That’s why people who drink too much may become sad or emotional. High alcohol consumption can also destroy people’s lives.
Why Alcohol Recovery Is So Important
Many people abuse alcohol daily. For these individuals, the short-term effects generally aren’t that bad. They may suffer a slight hangover the next day. However, the long-term effects are much worse and affect their health, causing problems such as:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular issues
- Digestive problems
- Depression and anxiety
Alcohol Recovery Timeline
Unfortunately, people can’t just stop abusing alcohol. They need professional help to overcome addiction. The alcohol recovery timeline starts with alcohol withdrawal. The onset of minor symptoms generally starts within the first 24 hours.
These minor side effects usually include a headache, anxiety and upset stomach. Within the first 48 hours of someone’s last drink, he or she may experience both audio and visual hallucinations in serious cases.
By around the third day, people who drink heavily can start to experience seizures. Doctors refer to these as tonic-clonic convulsions. Heavy drinkers, however, could have convulsions as early as two hours after their last drink.
Within five days, people could experience delirium tremens. This condition involves agitation, hallucinations, fever, seizures and even death. It lasts for up to seven days in most cases. People should seek expert help to increase their chances of survival.
Get Help With Alcohol Addiction
If you suffer from alcohol addiction or abuse, you can get help at Crestview Recovery. We’re a rehab center in Portland, Oregon. We strive to help people who suffer from a variety of drug addictions. Some different treatment programs that we offer include:
Don’t attempt to face this life-threatening drug alone. Let us teach you more about the alcohol recovery timeline. Contact us today at 866.262.0531 to get help.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
