Alcohol Detoxification
What is alcohol detox? Read on to learn more about alcohol detox, alcohol withdrawal, and how withdrawal relates to alcohol dependency.
Alcohol detox is one of the many steps to take when treating alcoholism. It is a process that helps individuals that suffer from alcoholism detoxify and get through withdrawal symptoms. Individuals going through this process need medical supervision because it can be dangerous and painful. Detox helps to expel alcohol from a body that has adjusted to regular usage of the substance.
The Importance of Alcohol Detox
Individuals use alcohol detoxification because of its various importance to the body. Some of the importance of detoxing alcohol are:
Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
There are several symptoms of alcohol detox. Some of the symptoms that individuals who detox from alcohol experience are:
When an individual decides to go through an alcohol detoxification process, they experience some withdrawal symptoms. These individuals experience these symptoms at least two hours after their last drink.
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First Six to Twelve Hours
The symptoms an individual will experience at the initial stage of detoxing alcohol are mild but may worsen. Some examples of the early withdrawal symptoms are nausea and shaking.1
Day One
At the end of the first 24 hours when detoxing alcohol, the individual may experience more severe symptoms. Additional symptoms the individuals will experience, along with the effects of the first 12 hours, include seizures and disorientation.
Day Two
Individuals undergoing detox will experience more painful symptoms on the second day. These individuals will experience panic attacks and hallucinations as the body system gets rid of the alcohol.
Day Three to Seven
There is a great risk for lethal symptoms such as delirium tremens during this period. The individuals will experience various other recurring symptoms.
After One Week
After the first week's completion, some withdrawal symptoms will start to wear off. However, some may persist for some additional weeks, but they are mostly mild and treated with some medications.
Alcohol withdrawal is when an individual experiences physical and mental problems due to a reduced alcohol intake. It happens when there is a prolonged intake of alcohol which leads to severe symptoms.2
Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal
The depressive effects of alcohol on the body system cause the brain to function slowly. It keeps the brain in an awake state. Once there is a sudden decrease in the alcohol level, the brain stays in this state and causes withdrawal.
Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
When there is an abrupt reduction in the intake of alcohol in an individual, there are certain dangers that arise. Some of these dangers are:3
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
The following are some of the alcohol detox symptoms that arise in an individual going through alcohol withdrawal:
Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Various individuals experience mild to serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms based on how long and how much they drank.
Although the detox can begin after taking the last drink, it depends on how much and long the individual drank. The length of the detox also depends on the severity of the individual's substance use disorder.
How Long Does it Take?
The longer the substance use disorder of an individual, the longer the detox from alcohol symptoms and the withdrawal symptoms timeline.
12 – 48 Hours After Your Last Drink
At this withdrawal symptoms timeline, the individuals experience hallucinations and minor withdrawal symptoms. Some of these withdrawal symptoms are stomach upset and headache.
6 Hours After You Stop Drinking
The individuals will begin to experience mild withdrawal symptoms six hours after the last drink to detox from alcohol symptoms. Some mild alcohol detox symptoms the individual will experience at this period are carvings and an upset stomach.
48 – 72 Hours After You Stop Drinking
Individuals experiencing an extreme form of alcohol disorder (DTs) experience high body temperature and heart rate during this period.
Finding the Right Alcohol Detox Center
Finding the “right center for alcohol detox near me” can help with mental health and managing alcohol withdrawal timelines. The right addiction centers help to determine the best step to reduce or stop the large intake of alcohol.
When looking for an available ‘alcohol detox,’ it is crucial to figure out details and ask questions. These questions determine whether the alcohol detox is right for the individual. The four must-ask questions to finding addiction centers for a detox program are listed below:
What Type of Insurance Is Available?
It is crucial to be aware if the alcohol detox accepts my insurance and how much it covers.
How Do You Lessen the Side Effects of Withdrawal?
Asking the center about their medications and managing the various severe withdrawal symptoms that might emerge is very important.
Do They Offer Any Medical and Counseling Services?
Having a medical and counseling service in case of emergency, mental and emotional stress is crucial.
Do I Receive Aftercare When I’m Done with the Program?
Relapse is possible after the program; it is best if the center provides follow-up care for a year at least.
Individuals desiring to detox from alcohol often choose a date to quit. These individuals start engaging in several activities to distract them from alcohol and stop triggers.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at Home
There are several ways individuals treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome at home. The following are ways are listed below:4
The Risks of At-Home Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal
Individuals who detox from alcohol at home are at certain risks. The following are risks attached to detoxing alcohol at home and withdrawal:
Pros of Detoxing at Home
Detoxing at home can benefit individuals in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits of detoxing at home are listed below:
When an individual dependent on alcohol abruptly reduces or stops the intake of the substance, withdrawal symptoms ensue.
Alcohol Dependence, Withdrawal, and Relapse
The physiologic dependence on alcohol by an individual is known as Alcohol Dependence. When an individual decides to do alcohol detoxification, the individual may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Relapse takes place when the individual stops maintaining their detox goals and returns to their previous alcohol level of intake.
What is Considered Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence in an individual means that the individual will not be able to function fully without the intake of alcohol. These individuals consider alcohol to be their top priority in life.
What Happens During Alcohol Dependence?
In this case, the individual's body becomes reliant on alcohol, and they have an increased desire to feel the effect of alcohol.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Some of the signs and symptoms of alcoholism in individuals are:
Listed below are the three stages of alcoholism:
Taking the Next Step – Alcohol Detox
When an individual notices any alcohol addiction, it is best to seek professional help for a detox.
Alcohol Detoxification at Ripple Ranch Recovery
At Ripple Ranch Recovery, we can help you undergo the challenges and dangers of alcohol detoxification. Additionally, we can equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to maintain alcohol abstinence; your sobriety and wellness is our top priority. Reach out today and regain autonomy over your life.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/
- https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/clinical+resources/clinical+programs+and+practice+guidelines/substance+misuse+and+dependence/substance+withdrawal+management/alcohol+withdrawal+management
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/alcohol-and-heart-health-separating-fact-from-fiction
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6299173/
