Going through alcohol withdrawal can be a terrifying process. But, if you know everything that can happen, even the weirdest possibility, it can help you with the recovery. We compiled some of the strangest, yet interesting things about alcohol withdrawal you had no idea could happen.
1. Men Are More Vulnerable to Relapse Then Women
People see alcoholism as a huge problem for the male population. After all, the rates of alcohol dependence are much higher in men than women. But, women too are struggling with alcoholism, explains the National Institutes of Health.
The interesting thing is, both genders can react differently to relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, women have a lower chance of experiencing relapse than men.
There are many possibilities as to why that happens. But scientists believe it has to do with social support, the will to attend counseling sessions, and the strength to deal with the challenges.
Experts estimate that women are more open to participating in group counseling, whether it is to get help for drug abuse or other reasons.
Women are also more likely to face their obstacles in life and get treatment. At the same time, men are not that keen on seeking help. Many men don’t trust treatment programs. They don’t think programs can help with their alcohol withdrawal.
There is also the social stigma that says women can handle more pain than men, and it might have some truth.
Based on research, the constant hormonal fluctuations exposes women to regular pain. While it depends on the type of pain they are dealing with, it could mean that women can handle alcohol withdrawal more easily.
When you combine all of these factors, it seems clear why women deal better. If you want to handle the withdrawal better, you should try to detox in a medical facility, like our Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol in Texas, called Stonegate Center, which is just west of Fort Worth, Texas. Our team of experts will make sure that you avoid relapse at all times.
2. People Use a Shot of Pickle Juice for Hangovers
Those who love pickles are willing to jump on board. But, the question is, how effective a pickle juice shot really is? It might sound disgusting, but according to Dr Oz, it’s worth it.
Since the alcohol will dehydrate the body, it can be a good idea to drink a little bit of pickle water or juice after you wake up. The reason for that is relatively simple. When we drink, the body loses its electrolytes.
Heavy drinking can result in a very bad hangover. There are no scientific studies to confirm the claim. However, it is possible that the salt in the juice can replenish the electrolytes in the system. It can also produce a soothing bacteria in the stomach that can calm the irritation and eliminate the discomfort.
If you want more effective options for long term alcohol rehab, it’s best to rely on a medical detox for alcohol instead of detoxing at home, which can be dangerous.
3. Eating Cayenne Pepper Can Calm the Alcohol Cravings
The withdrawal issues can have a massive impact on the human body, experts explain. People experience mood swings and suppressed nutrients. Even though it doesn’t sound like the tastiest thing to eat, cayenne pepper can increase satiety and reduce cravings.
It can give us a healthy energy boost, which is very important when you are feeling down, published Science Direct. These effects could also be beneficial for reducing nausea from alcohol withdrawal. With a healthy and normal appetite, the body can feel much better when going through withdrawal.
4. Most Detoxes Take 3 to 7 Days, But With PAWS, It Can Last for 1-2 Weeks to up to 2 Years
In most patients, it takes people just 3 to 7 days to detox their body from ethanol, published in the Industrial Psychiatry Journal.
But, individuals experiencing post-acute withdrawal or PAWS should be prepared to experience the symptoms even 1 to 2 weeks after detox.
According to the National Institutes of Health, this health problem can have a prolonged duration. Although rare, in some individuals, it can last a maximum of 2 years. The problem is, the symptoms come and go, and if you are not prepared to handle them, you are vulnerable to relapse.
For those wondering how long alcohol detox is, here is a detailed guideline for each detox stage, including Delirium Tremens and PAWS.
PAWS is completely different from acute withdrawal, which is something you will experience the first two weeks after you stop drinking. It literally feels like a roller-coaster.
PAWS is a constellation of symptoms that appear after a person has solved their acute withdrawal. The episodes pop up and disappear. You can’t plan when they will happen or how much they will affect you.
But, it will take a toll on your mood, sleeping patterns, and stress. If you are going through something similar, it is best to ask for help. Our alcohol rehab in Texas offers constant monitoring and medical help for those recovering from alcohol addiction.
5. Virtual Cocktails Can Be Used to Trick the Senses
Scientists at the National University of Singapore might have come up with the most innovative cocktail glass that can trick the mind into thinking that the water inside is actually an alcoholic beverage.
This drink relies on LED lights that send electric impulses to our senses. They overload the sensory stimuli by making us think we are drinking alcohol. Where in fact, the drink is a simulated beverage, explained Earth News. This gadget could be useful for long term alcohol detox.
6. Contrary to Popular Belief Exercise is NOT the Best Thing to Do Right After You Quit Alcohol
People who have strong alcohol dependency are very vulnerable to psychological and physical stressors, especially in the first month of quitting.
High-impact exercise can be a stressful experience. The exhaustion can make them feel stressed and vulnerable to relapse, experts explain.
However, physical activity can, indeed help people recover better. So, it’s best to give the body time to adjust to the new habits. Wait at least a month or two before you can use exercise as a therapeutic tool.
7. Mental Problems Can Make the Withdrawal Worse
A lot of people underestimate the impact of emotional burdens. Stress, depression, and anxiety can drive a person into drinking alcohol. However, when they start drinking again, the anxiety can get even worse. It’s basically a never-ending cycle.
That’s why, no matter how trivial the emotional problems might seem, you need to take care of them as soon as possible. That way, you reduce your chance of a relapse. Our experts at Alcohol Rehab in Texas can help you get over your psychological challenges.
8. Electro-Acupuncture Can Calm Hyperalgesia
Did you know, some people who are going through alcohol withdrawal can experience hyperalgesia? This is a condition that makes your body very sensitive to pain—people who can’t cope with it usually relapse.
According to Science Daily, electro-acupuncture can help. It is an alternative treatment that mixes electro stimulation with acupuncture. The animal study showed that after treatment, the alternative therapy managed to calm the brain and alleviate the discomfort effectively.
This could be a highly practical option for those who want to reduce their chance of a relapse.
Conclusion
Cleansing the system from alcohol can be a grueling process. To be able to achieve success and drop the drinking for good, you need all the practical information you can get. That’s why we listed these weird, yet peculiar facts about alcohol withdrawal. They can help you get a better insight into what’s going on in the system when it craves a drink.
References
https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh291/55-62.htm
https://www.sciencealert.com/do-women-tolerate-pain-better-than-men
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913110/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085800/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170207110906.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6084325/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950329317300666?via%3Dihub
https://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/health-secrets-dr-oz-only-tells-his-friends?gallery=true&page=2
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070423185706.htm
https://www.earth.com/news/virtual-cocktail-trick-senses/
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/alcohol-and-the-brain
