Alcohol is one of America’s most easily accessible and readily available substances. In some cases, alcohol is cheaper than non-alcoholic beverages in restaurants. For this reason, millions of Americans every day suffer from alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. Alcohol is not only addictive, but it can be dangerous if misused. Since alcohol is so easy to get, it is vital to know how it impacts your body and all the different details of how it works so that you know if someone has become addicted.
At See Purpose, we know that alcohol addiction can be a devastatingly life-altering situation, and we want to do everything we can to help our clients and their families. In this post, we will discuss the signs of alcohol abuse as well as important factors like how long alcohol is in your system, whether alcohol can cause withdrawal, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and how to find detox for alcohol abuse.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?
Before discussing how long does alcohol stay in your system, we want to talk about the signs that someone is indeed abusing alcohol. Signs of alcohol abuse are not always easy to spot because people who abuse alcohol often try to hide it. The first step in getting help is admitting that there is a problem, so recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse is vital.
Some common signs of alcohol abuse are:
- blacking out or forgetting what happened while drinking
- neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school because of drinking
- continuing to drink even though it is causing problems in relationships
- feeling the need to drink more and more alcohol to feel the same effects (tolerance)
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, and nausea
These are just a few of the potential signs, and it is essential to note that each and every person is different, but if you notice a loved one exhibiting these signs, then there is a good chance they are abusing alcohol.
Can Alcohol Cause Withdrawal?
One of the dangers of abusing alcohol is that it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops drinking. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a condition that can occur in people who are physically dependent on alcohol and abruptly stop drinking or significantly reduce their alcohol intake.
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?
Now that we have talked about the signs of alcohol abuse and AWS, let us discuss how long does alcohol stay in your system.
Alcohol can be detected in a person’s system for different periods of time depending on a number of factors, including:
- the amount of alcohol consumed
- the frequency and duration of drinking
- age
- weight
- metabolism
Generally speaking, alcohol will stay in a person’s system for about 12 hours. However, if someone is regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol or has been drinking heavily for an extended period of time, then it may take longer for the alcohol to leave their system.
What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to life-threatening and include:
- shakes, tremors, or convulsions
- sweating
- anxiety
- nausea and vomiting
- hallucinations or delusions
- heart palpitations
If you think someone you love may be experiencing AWS, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Because of the potential for health complications, it is never a good idea to stop drinking or detox on your own. The only safe way to detox is in a medically supervised environment.
How to Find Detox for Alcohol Abuse
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction or know someone who is, there is help available. At See Purpose, we offer detoxification services as well as a number of other programs designed to help our clients overcome addiction and get on the path to recovery.
We offer premier inpatient treatment for those clients who want to get away from the stresses of day-to-day life and focus on their recovery. Our therapy and treatment options are designed to get to the root of the alcohol addiction rather than just using cookie-cutter treatment solutions.
We even provide aftercare services to help maximize your chances of success after treatment ends. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, contact See Purpose today for comprehensive alcohol treatment programs in Indiana!
