Alcohol detox is a process that occurs in the body after consuming alcoholic beverages. The detox process can last a week or more, depending on age, weight, drinking history, current medical condition, and past substance abuse.
The initial symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear as soon as 2 hours after your last drink. They can include headaches, anxiety, shaking and nausea.
Medically Assisted Detox
Alcohol detox is a medically assisted process that provides supervised withdrawal from strong substances. The withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening, but it is safe and effective for many patients.
A patient is given medication to alleviate some of the worst symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including fever, agitation, confusion and seizures. These medications can stabilize a patient’s mood and prevent delirium tremens (DT), a serious complication that is often fatal.
While there are a variety of detox options, medically-supervised treatment is the safest and most comfortable. This approach is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and many addiction experts.
A medically supervised detox center provides patients with around-the-clock care. They monitor patients’ progress, administer medication when needed and ensure a healthy environment. This approach can significantly reduce relapse rates, so patients can focus on recovery and begin therapy to address the deeper roots of their addiction.
Medically Managed Detox
Those who are in serious alcohol addiction may need to undergo medically managed detox for their safety and comfort. Detoxification from alcohol is extremely difficult and can be dangerous without proper supervision and monitoring.
Medically managed detox involves a team of trained specialists who provide support and treatment for people with drug or alcohol addiction. These include doctors, nurses and other health professionals who will monitor and manage the withdrawal process.
The first step to a successful medically managed detox is an assessment of your specific situation and needs. This will help the expert team to create a tailored plan for you.
Detox can be delivered in a wide range of settings including hospitals, clinics and treatment centers. Ideally, the intensity of services should match each individual’s unique needs.
In-Home Detox
A home detox is a less expensive alternative to going to an inpatient facility. It’s also less disruptive to your life and allows you more flexibility.
It’s important to remember that detox is just the first step in recovery. You need to get therapy and other support during the process to keep relapse at bay.
Your provider may recommend a patient contract to help ensure that both of you are on the same page about the treatment plan and what to expect from your detox. Your provider should also provide you with instructions and a list of medications that you can take to ease withdrawal symptoms.
You can keep a diary during your at-home detox to help you track your cravings and thoughts about drinking. This can give you valuable information to share with your therapist during therapy sessions.
Self-Detox
Detoxing from alcohol is a difficult, but necessary first step in recovering from an addiction. It helps the body to metabolize alcohol and other drugs so that they no longer remain in the bloodstream and can be fully processed by the body.
In addition, detox allows a person to manage withdrawal symptoms without risking a relapse or becoming addicted to drugs again. This type of treatment is often a part of an intensive rehabilitation program.
Symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol can vary depending on the amount you’ve been drinking. They may peak within 24 hours, then begin to subside gradually as your body rids itself of alcohol.
Because of the extreme pain and serious health risks associated with alcohol withdrawal, medically supervised detox is usually recommended. During this process, a treatment specialist will keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure your condition doesn’t worsen.
