When it comes to substance abuse, the answer to the question of whether it is safe to stop drinking all at once is not a simple one. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the amount, frequency and duration of alcohol consumption, the presence of co-occurring disorders, and the individual's physical health. Heavy drinkers have become accustomed to having alcohol in their bodies, and when they abruptly stop drinking, their central nervous system does not know how to respond properly. This can lead to alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning. Quitting alcohol cold turkey without medical detoxification puts individuals at risk of relapse due to withdrawal symptoms.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (NCADD) reports that nearly 1 in 12 adults in the United States is dependent on alcohol. This is a sign that the body is trying to adapt to the absence of alcohol, which it believes it needs to survive. According to professional medical advice, an adult woman should not consume more than one or two alcoholic beverages per day and no more than eight standard drinks for seven days. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) works to promote mental health, prevent substance abuse, and provide treatment and support for recovery. While detoxification is an important first step in recovery from alcohol addiction, it may not be enough on its own.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms experienced by people who regularly binge drink when they stop drinking. If detoxification takes place in a treatment center, medical professionals can help alleviate these symptoms. Excessive alcohol consumption has grown exponentially in recent years, despite the dangers associated with it. Rather than attempting to quit drinking all at once on your own, it is important to ensure safety and comfort by undergoing an alcohol rehabilitation program. Detoxification in a treatment center will provide access to medications and alternative approaches that can help manage withdrawal symptoms. One of the hidden dangers of quitting alcohol cold turkey is that withdrawal symptoms may not show up until three days after the last drink.
It is difficult to maintain sobriety without a formal addiction treatment program.