What to Expect When Going Through Alcohol Detox
Many people are, naturally, apprehensive about entering an addiction rehab for detox. They’ve likely experienced the discomfort of trying to quit drinking before. But clinically supervised detox is different from attempting to stop using alcohol on one’s own. When you enroll in an addiction treatment center for detox, the process of eliminating alcohol from your system, you can expect a robust level of support that includes treatment for those unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In short, you can expect to undergo this process in a safe, medically supportive center where you can begin your recovery journey.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms often begin with a mild headache. Some people may experience slight tremors or irritability. However, these symptoms are likely to escalate with continued avoidance of alcohol. The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Tremors/shakiness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Irritability and other mood disturbances
- Nausea/vomiting
In most cases, withdrawal symptoms will peak between 24 and 48 hours from a person’s last drink, but this can vary. At a medical detox facility, addiction specialists can provide treatments for these withdrawal symptoms to greatly reduce their severity, helping individuals remain as comfortable as possible as they complete the detox process.
Is Alcohol Detox Dangerous?
Alcohol detox is dangerous when a person chooses to detox alone. Medical detox, under the supervision and care of trained clinicians, is regarded as safe. Detoxing alone is unsafe because withdrawal symptoms may become so severe that they trigger a series of symptoms known as DTs (delirium tremens). These symptoms can involve fever, dehydration, and hallucinations. Severe withdrawal symptoms can trigger health emergencies such as thoughts of suicide, heart irregularities, and seizures. At rehab, clinicians can monitor each client, ensuring that their severe symptoms are treated. By treating withdrawal symptoms, clinicians can help prevent them from triggering medical emergencies.
Why Choose a Medical Detox for Alcohol Addiction?
Undergoing detox in a medical facility such as an addiction treatment rehab or hospital is the safest way to detox. As mentioned, the trained staff, who specialize in the treatment of addiction, can monitor each client as they go through the process. Not only can they support each client with helpful symptom-reducing treatments, but they can also lend moral support, accompanying them during this challenging phase of their addiction recovery journey. Too often, when people attempt to detox on their own, the untreated symptoms prove to be quite unbearable, and without formal treatment, they are vulnerable to using alcohol again simply to end the discomfort.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Last?
The medical detox time frame varies. On average, most clients can complete detox in about a week. However, the process is dependent on the person’s unique chemistry as well as how long they’ve been addicted to alcohol. After symptoms peak, most clients begin to increasingly experience relief. They may find it easier to rest and focus on the recovery journey ahead of them. While some symptoms like headaches and cravings may linger, these usually dissipate in time. Once detox is complete, the individual can begin the treatments that address their psychological dependence on alcohol, learning how to manage their triggers and prevent relapse.
Where to Get Alcohol Detox
If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, you can find empathetic care and high-quality addiction treatment at Serenity Oaks Wellness Center. Medical detox is the first step of the recovery process. Our addiction specialists will care for you, helping you end your physical dependence on alcohol. You will not be alone as you take these first steps toward lasting recovery. Detox is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing, and we are here to help make this part of your recovery experience as comfortable as possible.
