If you are addicted to alcohol, it is imperative to consider getting professional help from The Process Recovery Center and other recovery facilities. Detoxification is the first process you will undergo in such institutions. It involves medical and natural procedures that help you to get rid of the alcohol in your system. In this article, you will learn more about how long alcohol detox takes, any anticipated withdrawal symptoms, and their treatment.
The Alcohol Detox Timeline
The time it takes for full alcohol detox and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person. This is mainly because different people have varying levels of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although the information may not be specific on when or which withdrawal symptoms you will get, here is a general outline of what you can expect after your last drink:
Six – 12 hours
The symptoms are mild, but they can escalate fast. During this time, the most common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, nausea, headaches, and anxiety.
24 Hours
After completing a day of detox or approaching its end, the symptoms become severe. In addition to the symptoms you got in 12 hours, you may start experiencing seizures, hand tremors, and disorientation.
48 Hours
On the second day of alcohol detox, you might experience more painful symptoms. Hallucinations and panic attacks are common experiences during this stage as your body struggles to rid the substance from your system.
Third to Seventh Day
During the remaining days of the first detox week, the symptoms will be there, but most of them will not be persistent. However, fatal symptoms, such as delirium tremens, may arise at this level.
Beyond the First Week
After the first detox week, most of the symptoms will start to fade. Additionally, those that remain are mild and are treatable with appropriate medication.
Treating Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The treatment you get for these symptoms depends on the facility you are in for your detoxification procedure. Moreover, the treatment given is determined by the severity of the symptoms, since it varies from person to person.
In a Medical Center
Getting your detox from a medical facility is a wise idea. That is because doctors and healthcare professionals have access to treatments for different symptoms. For instance, benzodiazepines are common prescription drugs for treating seizures and other withdrawal symptoms.
In a Rehab Center
The personnel at a recovery center may not have access to all the medicines required to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, they will keep an eye on your blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature. They can always call a qualified doctor in case your symptoms become severe.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Like with any other substance, alcohol dependency can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. The signs of alcohol addiction vary depending on the person, but the most common ones are:
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Choosing to drink instead of adhering to your obligations and responsibilities
- Finding excuses for drinking liquor, for instance, as using alcohol as a stress-reliever
- High irritability
- Short-term memory loss
Benefits of Alcohol Detox
You may not realize it, but alcohol detox has a few advantages. They include:
- Mental Health – Your mental health is stabilized by the psychological support you get during detoxification.
- Physical Safety – During detox, medical experts keep you in a safe environment in case the withdrawal symptoms prove to be severe.
- The Foundation for Recovery – Detoxification creates a sturdy foundation for addiction treatment.
Alcohol detox is an essential process. It helps your body get rid of the alcohol you have consumed while creating a firm foundation before starting addiction treatment. However, the time it takes and the withdrawal symptoms experienced during detox differ from person to person.