Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Man sitting on the edge of the bed late at night while considering the question does alcohol withdrawal cause insomnia
By BrightView
Published: September 29, 2023
Updated: September 22, 2023

Does alcohol withdrawal cause insomnia? Alcohol addiction treatment can be a difficult process, and one of the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is insomnia. Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep, affecting over half of individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Exploring the link between alcohol withdrawal and insomnia can help individuals struggling with this issue.

If you or a loved one experiences alcohol addiction and insomnia, contact BrightView today. We offer outpatient treatment programs tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our team of medical professionals and addiction specialists is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support throughout recovery.

Don’t let alcohol addiction and insomnia control your life. Contact BrightView at 888.501.9865 for help with alcohol addiction and insomnia, and take the first step towards a brighter future.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal and Insomnia

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when an individual stops or reduces alcohol consumption after developing physical dependence. One of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is insomnia. Insomnia during alcohol withdrawal is caused by various factors, including changes in the brain, changes in the body’s circadian rhythm, and anxiety.

Changes in the Brain

When an individual is addicted to alcohol, their brain chemistry changes. Alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters affect the brain’s reward center and the body’s ability to relax and sleep. When an individual stops drinking, their brain chemistry may take time to normalize, which can cause insomnia.

Changes in the Body’s Circadian Rhythm

The body has a natural sleep-wake cycle called the circadian rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can cause difficulty sleeping. Alcohol consumption can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia. During alcohol withdrawal, the body may take time to readjust to its natural circadian rhythm, which can cause difficulty sleeping.

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, and it can interfere with an individual’s ability to sleep. It can cause racing thoughts, increased heart rate, and general restlessness, making falling and staying asleep difficult.

How Alcohol Addiction Treatment Can Help

Alcohol addiction treatment can help individuals struggling with alcohol withdrawal and insomnia. Treatment may include medication assisted treatment (MAT), which can help to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce anxiety. MAT may include medications such as benzodiazepines, which can help to calm the nervous system and promote sleep.

In addition to medication assisted treatment, BrightView offers individual, group, and family therapy to address the underlying issues contributing to alcohol addiction and insomnia. Therapy can help individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms and tools to manage anxiety and other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Contact BrightView for Help

At BrightView, we understand how challenging it is to deal with withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia. Our outpatient and intensive outpatient programs provide medication assisted treatment and dual diagnosis services. We also offer telehealth options to help individuals receive the help they need from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, our peer recovery support program connects individuals with someone who has been in their shoes and can offer the support they need to overcome their addiction.

Our individualized treatment approach and proximity to many locations make BrightView a unique addiction treatment option. With over 50 locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Maryland, we are the local addiction treatment option that makes it easy for individuals to access the help they need.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and experiencing insomnia during alcohol withdrawal, contact BrightView today at 888.501.9865 or online. Our compassionate team can help you navigate the treatment process and offer the support you need to overcome your addiction. Together, we can help you achieve an alcohol-free life.