Why should you detox from alcohol?
Detox from alcohol poses significant, even potentially life-threatening, medical risks. Drinking too much alcohol can cause a lot of health problems as well as physical dependence. When someone has been drinking alcohol for a long time it can be difficult to stop. They may feel that there is no way they can make it through the day without drinking. And depending on the amount of alcohol consumed daily, it may not be safe for them to quit cold turkey. Some people put off quitting because of fear of withdrawals. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms are very serious. Proper medical supervision is always recommended. But even though withdrawals and getting sober may seem overwhelming, the reality is that it’s never too late to quit.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
The types and severity of withdrawal symptoms can change based on many factors. This includes length of use, amount used. The person’s underlying health can also play a role.
Symptoms of alcohol detox can include:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Irritability
Some more serious symptoms can include:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Extreme hallucinations
- Delirium tremens
- Disorientation
Seizures and delirium tremens are the most serious symptom of alcohol detox. These symptoms can be life threatening. It’s very hard to predict who will experience these more severe symptoms. It’s important to always consult a physician before you attempt to detox from alcohol.
Detox timeline
Symptoms from alcohol detox can appear as soon as 2 hours after the last drink. They can last from 1-14 days and depend on the amount drunk and length of time spent drinking. The more severe symptoms only last a few days. Other symptoms may take up to 3 days to begin. Delirium tremens often takes longer to manifest and can take individuals by surprise. Learn more about detox from alcohol timelines.
Different ways of detoxing from alcohol
Detoxing from alcohol can be life threatening if done on your own. as a result always consult with a physician before attempting to detox from alcohol. So it is possible to detox at home but is not recommended. The detox process usually involves special medication to help lessen the symptoms. These medications can include benzodiazepines and barbiturates. The medications alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal.
Reasons to seek medical attention:
- Detox can be life threatening
- success rate rises with supervision
- programs are available across the country
Medically supervised detox
The best way to detox from alcohol is a medical detox. Medical detox takes place at a facility with medical staff that oversees the detox process. They make sure its done safely and make you as comfortable as possible. The process will be uncomfortable at times. But if your serious about quitting it’s important to not give up. Having the right staff to guide you through the process is important to a successful detox. Activities such as group counseling and yoga are usually provided as well. Finding the right program that suits your needs is important as well. Our addiction counselors at Blue Coast Behavioral Health are available 24/7 by phone for free case consultations: 855-997-4702
Alcohol detox represents the first step of recovery. Staying sober requires further work. Individuals seeking a local recovery community can find meetings at the Alcoholics Anonymous website.