The Kindling Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal

The kindling effect occurs after multiple failed efforts have been made to detox from sedative-hypnotic drugs, such as alcohol. When it comes to alcoholism, kindling effects are the main cause of relapses, as repeated withdrawals are significantly severe.

The kindling effect can be difficult to manage without professional medical help. This is one of the reasons why alcohol detoxification cannot be attempted alone. Alcohol detoxification is ideally carried out under the supervision of healthcare providers to mitigate the risks involved by this process. People who achieved sobriety and relapsed multiple times are the most at risk of the kindling effect. 

Due to the dangers and risks associated with the kindling effect, receiving comprehensive aftercare services for maintaining sobriety from alcohol is crucial for the patient’s safety, health, and wellbeing. However, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), from the 15.1 million people in the US who suffer from AUD, only around 6.7% underwent alcohol addiction treatment in 2014.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is caused by the chemical imbalance produced during detoxification. The physical and psychological distress experienced during this period is the main cause of most relapses. Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur within 12 to 24 hours after the last drink, and those symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Intense cravings
• Headache
• Depression
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Poor sleep
• Excessive perspiration
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches

During the kindling effect, the brain and body become highly sensitive to alcohol and the withdrawal symptoms it creates during detoxification. Every relapse and subsequent detox from alcohol becomes more intense and painful. The kindling effect causes a patient to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms after each relapse. Subsequently increasing the risk of seizures and a potentially dangerous condition called delirium tremens.

The kindling effect can be difficult to assess and treat by anyone who isn’t well versed or experienced. It can only be managed by careful and around-the-clock supervision by addiction specialists.

What Causes the Kindling Effects?

Kindling is simply the oversensitivity to withdrawal, which is caused by neurological hyperactivity in the brain. Withdrawing from alcohol is one of the major challenges faced by patients. And according to recent studies, the severity of withdrawals is based more upon kindling effects rather than the severity of alcohol use disorder. 

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), repeated exposure to the withdrawal process causes neurobehavioral excitability and neurological synapses in the brain that react more dramatically to the stimulus of going into withdrawal repeatedly. This excessively intense response is believed to be a result of brain damage caused during withdrawals. 

Kindling is closely associated with cases of withdrawal that induce seizures. Seizures are more common in cases of withdrawal where there have been several prior attempts at detox. According to the US National Library of Medicine, the biological basis of the kindling effect remains unknown but alterations in neurotransmission figures remain prominent in most hypotheses. 

What Other Substances Cause Kindling Effect?

Sudden and rapid changes in neurochemistry can cause the development of kindling effects. Sedatives such as benzodiazepines are most likely to produce this phenomenon. Certain mental health disorders can also show signs of the kindling effect. Mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder can generate episodes that can be severe and longer than the previous episodes. 

Treatment for Kindling Effects

There is no known cure for the kindling effect, just as there is no cure for addiction or mental health disorders. But what is possible is the effective management of withdrawal symptoms through a medically assisted detox program and a comprehensive treatment program to help minimize the risk of a relapse.

Even if withdrawal symptoms seem mild, it is better to handle alcohol withdrawal with the help of more robust recovery mechanisms to prevent the kindling effect. Inpatient treatment is best suited for patients who have a history of relapses due to this reason. If you wish to overcome alcohol use disorder seek assistance from your healthcare practitioner or contact an addiction specialist.

At Futures Recovery Healthcare we provide a comprehensive treatment program that involves medically assisted detox care in conjunction with evidence-based treatment programs and aftercare services to ensure our patients experience a full and prolonged recovery.

The main goal of treatment for the kindling effect is focused on keeping the patient safe. Certain measures can be taken to make patients as comfortable as possible during the process. Therapies can be used to help patients manage symptoms such as anxiety and distress that come with painful alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Medications can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and prevent seizures. For many people suffering from kindling withdrawal symptoms, treatment can take several weeks.

Continued therapy is crucial during the kindling effect. Patients who suffer from this phenomenon have more severe and prominent symptoms throughout withdrawal. Thus, they require special treatments to shield them from the detrimental effects of kindling. Other services for people struggling with the kindling effect during withdrawal include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Support groups
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Anticonvulsants

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are particularly effective in AUD treatment. Aftercare programs that involve support groups are often a vital part of a recovery program. These programs help patients maintain their sobriety by avoiding relapses. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), prescription anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine, can be utilized to suppress seizures in alcohol withdrawal treatment. 

The Best Way to Stop Drinking Alcohol 

The best way to avoid the kindling effects of alcohol is through relapse prevention. Addiction treatment facilities provide patients with tools and skills to avoid relapses but that alone will not be enough. Patients who leave the care of an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility must receive aftercare services to help them through their recovery journey. These services are vital in maintaining sobriety. 

If you or someone you love is ready to take that step in recovery contact Futures Recovery Healthcare today.