The idea of ending alcohol consumption is a very real fear felt by those suffering from chronic alcohol use. As the mind and body become dependent on the presence of alcohol, removing the substance leads to a period of withdrawal and its symptoms. Learn more about our alcohol detox center and the crucial steps in getting sober.
The Role of Alcohol Detoxification
Detoxification, or detox, is the period of time it takes for the last traces of a substance to leave the body and for it to begin healing. This is the first step in achieving fun in sobriety. The alcohol detox process is used for cases of both alcohol misuse and drug abuse. This is a crucial step, as a majority of at-home attempts at sobriety end when the alcohol withdrawal symptoms become too painful to endure. Instead, most individuals would rather continue drinking than deal with these symptoms.
To make the process more appealing, your alcohol addiction treatment facility or alcohol detox center will have a team of medical professionals to address alcohol withdrawal and its associated side effects. For those who don’t drink heavily, withdrawal is typically a nonissue.
Conversely, those who heavily abuse alcohol over a long period of time can experience life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal during detox. Medical detox keeps patients safe during alcohol withdrawal and leads to the recovery and growth portions of substance abuse treatment.
Common symptoms felt during detox from alcohol include:
More serious alcohol withdrawal concerns include:
The final condition, delirium tremens, is only present in the most severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms when alcohol abuse has gone on for months or years. While the DTs can be fatal, less than 5% of those who experience alcohol withdrawal will also suffer delirium tremens.
There’s no lack of support for those going through alcohol addiction, as the field of addiction treatment understands the need for medical professionals to oversee alcohol detoxification to prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures and other life-threatening side effects. Any underlying health issues need to be considered by a healthcare professional, as certain diseases can quickly worsen due to alcohol withdrawal. Tracking vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate through detox is crucial.
The Alcohol Detox and the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Due to its rapid influence on the body, alcohol starts leaving as quickly as it enters. Within the first two hours after drinking, withdrawal can start setting in. Mild symptoms are felt within the first week and can last up to a year after your last drink. Given the wide range, it’s no surprise everyone experiences withdrawals differently.
The first 12 hours of alcohol detox are where you’ll find more moderate symptoms that grow in severity over time. Patients will experience the usual headaches, shaking hands, sensitivity to light and sound and feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
The first 24 hours are when severe withdrawal symptoms begin surfacing. Day one symptoms will worsen, in addition to the introduction of periods of disorientation and a higher risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures. Hallucinations are common for those who heavily abuse alcohol as they enter the second day of detox.
The first week of alcohol withdrawal treatment in detox will see painful and uncomfortable symptoms ebb and flow in severity before a majority of them cease entirely. Panic attacks can be expected, and delirium tremens become the next challenge to overcome.
After the first week, most patients report a rapid decline in withdrawal delirium and lingering withdrawal symptoms. Any remaining side effects can typically be treated with over-the-counter medication.
For some, these withdrawal symptoms will exist for years rather than weeks. Known as post-acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome, PAWS can put a damper on an individual’s brain for life. Due to broken neural connections and overall brain damage, PAWS can lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, memory loss and delayed reactions to stimuli.
Medication Administered During Medical Alcohol Detox
An alcohol use disorder treatment facility will employ medical interventions when necessary during detox for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox occurs at treatment centers and fights back against alcohol dependence while keeping medical complications from interrupting the detox process. Alcohol treatment during detox also includes mental health services administration to address the mental disorders that arise.
When the time comes to stop drinking, know that your treatment center can provide relief for withdrawal symptoms. Medical care is provided around the clock to incorporate medications as needed.
Getting Help From Benzodiazepines, Naltrexone and Disulfiram
The different FDA-approved medications for alcohol detox are designed to reduce the severity of symptoms while attempting to keep the internal balance of chemicals in check. A medical professional working with your treatment provider will determine which medication is needed based on the symptoms they can address.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are one of the most common medications used. They target the central nervous system and help it relax while it works in overdrive to break its dependence on alcohol. Benzos treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, hand tremors, and muscle spasms.
Naltrexone uses a different approach by helping to reduce alcohol cravings that lead to relapse, and so many failed recovery attempts.
Your treatment provider may also utilize disulfiram to curb cravings and impulses. Unlike Naltrexone which reduces cravings at their core, disulfiram is reactive. It makes alcohol quickly lead to physical symptoms such as flushing of the face, headache, low blood pressure, muscle fatigue, and nausea.
It’s Time for Help at Our Alcohol Detox Center
Don’t let alcoholism or the fear of alcohol detox stop you from living a life free of addiction. Modern practices and medications make the process more comfortable and effective. It’s never too late to get help with problem alcohol use, as anyone can achieve long-term sobriety when given the right treatment and resources. Our sober living homes will also play a crucial role in helping you avoid relapse.
Ready to take the first steps? Contact us online or call 602-466-9880 for a quick consultation to learn how we can help you or a loved one on the road to recovery. Make the right choice with our alcohol detox center in Phoenix, AZ and see just how simple alcohol detox can truly be.
