Are you finally ready to admit that you are an alcoholic and need help? Perhaps you have reached a point in your life where you have become tired of being an alcoholic and are ready to go through detox. These are brave things to admit to yourself. We at Knoxville Recovery Center applaud your honesty and hope to be the place that helps you on your journey to sobriety.
Naturally, you may have questions about what to expect and what the rehabilitation process is going to be like. Allow us to take a minute to answer some of those for you.
This article will cover how long alcohol detox can last, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and the diagnosis and treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
What is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms that result from quitting drinking and can be a critical first step for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction. Alcohol abuse is a complex and challenging disorder to go through, and it’s essential to understand the life-threatening consequences of it.
Alcohol detox is often the first step in treating alcohol addiction and is crucial for individuals looking to overcome their alcohol dependence. Detoxing from alcohol is no simple task, and the severity of withdrawal and the alcohol withdrawal timeline will differ from person to person.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Last?
Logically, you may be curious about how long the alcohol detox process lasts. The short answer is that it depends on aspects such as your age, body composition, and drinking history.
During the detox process, an individual will stop drinking alcohol, and the body will begin to eliminate it from the bloodstream. As the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, withdrawal symptoms may occur, ranging in severity from mild to severe. Withdrawal symptoms begin anywhere from a few hours after your last drink to a few days. If you have been drinking heavily for years, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
A light drinker will have symptoms that will peak in 1-3 days, whereas a heavy drinker may feel bad for a week or so. Although it is very rare, some heavy drinkers may have persistent withdrawal symptoms that last for a month or more.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
When it is time to detox, your body will go through what is known as withdrawal symptoms. This is where your body and mind begin to adjust to the change of being without alcohol. As a result of this adjustment, you will likely begin to experience a set of unpleasant symptoms. The seriousness of these symptoms will depend on how heavily and for how long you have been drinking.
Here are some common complaints you may experience:
- Feeling shaky or jumpy
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Nightmares
- Unclear thoughts
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Sweating excessively
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
There is also a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that is known as delirium tremens. It can cause you to have hallucinations, seizures, fever, and severe confusion.
Diagnosis and Treatments for Alcohol Addiction
When you check into a detox clinic, you will be given a complete medical assessment to develop an individualized plan for your care. A physical exam will be performed to identify if you have any abnormal heart rhythms, rapid breathing or heart rate, dehydration, or fever, for example.
You will also be given a complete psychological evaluation to help determine your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. You may also be given lab tests and imaging tests to determine if you have health problems that are linked to your alcohol use, such as organ damage.
During your detox period, you may be given specific medications to help ease your withdrawal symptoms. You will also receive psychological counseling as part of your treatment plan. This might include sessions where your whole family is involved.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Detox
There are several treatment options available for individuals undergoing alcohol detox. While we have been covering detox as a form of treatment, there are more steps involved to truly prevent alcohol addiction. Treatment options for alcohol detox may include:
- Medical Detoxification
- Inpatient Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Holistic Therapies
- Support Groups
Treatment options for alcohol detox are designed to help individuals safely and effectively manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction. Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider is essential for individuals looking to overcome alcohol addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
Alcohol Detox at Knoxville Recovery Center
If you are ready to leave alcohol behind you, don’t attempt to do it alone. It can be a dangerous game to try and detox at home without professional help. We will help you stay as comfortable as possible during your withdrawal period.
At Knoxville Recovery Center, we provide an extensive amount of experience in helping people who are addicted to alcohol achieve sobriety. You have the power within yourself to do it as well. All you need to do is make the decision to live without it.
Our comprehensive, holistic, and individualized treatment plans allows us to treat each person’s alcohol addiction differently. This provides our clients with the best care and support under our medical supervision. At our treatment center, we offer medical detox, addiction treatment services, and aftercare planning services.
If you or a loved one are experiencing alcohol withdrawal or need addiction treatment, contact us today to speak with a specialist who can help you get your life back on track.
