Detox is the period when the body tries to remove the drugs, toxins, and metabolites that come from the long-term use of an abused drug like alcohol. When an individual who has been using alcohol for a long time stops doing so, all of the alcohol in their body will have to be purged from their system. For most people, this will happen within a few days after they stop drinking. However, it can take longer for those with high tolerance because they have been abusing alcohol for many years. During the detox process, withdrawal symptoms start, and the individual can experience physical and mental effects.
Alcohol Detox Symptoms
When an individual goes through alcohol detox, they experience different symptoms that usually include mild ones at first but can become very intense as the detox progresses. Some of the symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sleep Disturbances
- Headache
- Irritability
- Depression and mood swings
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Panic Attacks
Withdrawal Symptoms
For an individual to fully recover from the effects of alcohol abuse, they must undergo a period of detoxification. This is when their body will be going through the process of ridding itself of all traces of alcohol. The severity of the symptoms and how long they last will depend on how much and how long an individual has been abusing alcohol. When an individual has been abusing alcohol for many years, they will have a much more difficult time with detox than someone who has only been abusing alcohol for a short time. The longer an individual abuses alcohol, the more damage is done to their body, and the harder it will be for them to stop drinking and begin detoxification. This is because the human body will have already adjusted to regular alcohol consumption with long-term alcohol use. With long-term alcohol use, the body will adapt to the effects of alcohol and begin to rely on it for normal bodily functions. This means that when an individual stops drinking, their body is not used to functioning without alcohol, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Forms of Alcohol Detox
Cold Turkey
Going cold turkey means that you try to detox without medical help. While this may work for some people, it is not advised because withdrawal symptoms require medical monitoring so that it does not turn fatal. For instance, when going through alcohol detox, you may develop a seizure that requires treatment if you successfully pass this phase.
Hospital Detox Programs
If an individual has been abusing alcohol for many years or if they are suffering from some severe withdrawal symptoms, this may be the best way for them to begin their detoxification process. These programs usually involve being admitted into a medical facility where they will be monitored by medical professionals who will ensure that they are safe throughout the entire process and therefore need a large amount of time to adjust.
Medication-Assisted Alcohol Detox
The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be very severe and uncomfortable, but they are not fatal. These programs will provide a safe environment where they can detoxify from alcohol without worrying about becoming ill or dying due to their inability to stop drinking and detoxify on their own. This type of treatment is used to help individuals recover from alcohol abuse by providing them with medications they can take while they are going through the process of withdrawal. These medications will help reduce withdrawal symptoms’ effects on the body and mind, thus making it easier for an individual’s body to get back into a healthy state. It also helps prevent relapses by reducing urges for alcohol consumption.
How Long Does it Take to Detox?
The length of time it takes for an individual’s body to rid itself of all traces of alcohol will depend on how much they were drinking, how long they were drinking, and how often they were drinking. Some individuals may be able to begin feeling better within 24 hours after beginning detox, while others may take longer than a week before feeling better. Call us at 833-497-3812.