If you have a problematic relationship with alcohol, one of the toughest things to do is reduce your alcohol intake. Many alcoholics struggle with minimising their alcohol consumption because of the different withdrawal symptoms that come with it.
How to Detox Safely from Alcohol
The best way to safely detox from alcohol is to do it under professional supervision. While some information will tell you that you can go through alcohol withdrawal at home, this is typically not recommended, especially for individuals who are regularly drinking with heavy consumption. Regardless of your decision, an initial consultation with a medical professional who can advise you of the appropriate options is wise. Withdrawal is one of the most crucial recovery phases, so you’ll need the best care and guidance.
Medical Detox for Alcohol
A medical detox is when you undergo the withdrawal process under medical supervision. Medical professionals have the proper knowledge to manage your withdrawal symptoms, ensuring safety and comfort.
In addition to having medical tools and medication available during the withdrawal process, medical professionals also know how to provide the emotional support you need. This is a very mentally and emotionally challenging time. Many people who want to recover from alcohol even end up quitting during this phase because they feel like they can’t go through it.
However, some of the burden of going through withdrawal is lifted with the right support. You’ll know someone will always support you and provide medical assistance whenever necessary.
Medication for Alcohol Detox
In some cases, professionals will prescribe different medications during detox to help with withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medications during this time. They help reduce the risk of seizures and alleviate anxiety during withdrawal.
During withdrawal, you may tend to get anxious and restless. The anti-anxiety properties of benzodiazepines can help you calm down so that the withdrawal process becomes more manageable.
Can You Detox From Alcohol At Home?
Attempting to detox from alcohol at home is not recommended. When you try to go through the withdrawal process alone, it increases the risk of complications.
You may think it’s possible to just “power through” the symptoms until it’s over. However, this can do more harm than good. If medical emergencies and complications arise during this time, you won’t have immediate access to the proper care.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
Alcohol detox typically takes around 7 to 10 days after the last drink. This is what the typical withdrawal timeline looks like when you stop drinking:
- 12 to 24 Hours: The symptoms begin, and you may start to feel irritable and restless as alcohol leaves your bloodstream.
- 24 to 48 Hours: The symptoms peak and worsen, resulting in increased sweating and rapid heart rates.
- 48 to 72 Hours: The symptoms can become more severe, and the risk of life-threatening complications is at its highest during this period.
- 72 Hours and Beyond: The symptoms will decrease and become less severe. Cravings, mood swings, and other difficulties may continue but will be more manageable.
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal will vary for each person. Those who have been drinking alcohol for a longer time may have more severe symptoms that last longer. People with other health disorders may also have a more difficult time going through withdrawal because they will need to address the co-occurring disorder as well.
Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Happen?
When you start to drink too much alcohol, your body slowly becomes tolerant of it. Over time, you’ll need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects. This can lead to dependence, where you will have a hard time functioning daily without drinking.
Once you’re dependent on alcohol, quitting or significantly reducing your drinking will result in different withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re going through alcohol withdrawal, here are some of the symptoms you may experience:
Headaches
Headaches result from your body and brain trying to adjust to the absence of alcohol. Significantly reducing your alcohol intake can trigger a surge in activity in your brain’s nervous system. Blood vessels start to dilate, and your blood pressure may start to increase. As a result, you’ll experience constant headaches.
Fatigue
Alcohol addiction can result in disrupted sleeping patterns. Although the notion is that alcohol makes you sleep faster, the reality is that it interferes with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This means you don’t get good quality sleep throughout the night.
During alcohol withdrawal, your body is trying to go back to the kind of sleep that it used to have. However, restoring normal sleep cycles can take a toll on your body. This can make you more fatigued throughout the day.
Another reason for fatigue during withdrawal is the central nervous system becoming more active. This puts extra stress on the body, making you more physically and mentally exhausted.
Mood Swings
Chronic alcohol use will have serious effects on neurotransmitter levels. It alters serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, and if you’re addicted to alcohol, there’s a high chance that your brain is dependent on these neurotransmitters for daily function.
So, when you quit drinking, your brain and body will struggle to find balance again. You may experience mood swings that lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Mood swings might also occur because you’re slowly adjusting to a life without alcohol. Many people who struggle with alcoholism may use alcohol to escape from negative feelings. Quitting takes away this escape and can make these emotions more intense.
Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol cravings are one of the most common and persistent symptoms you’ll experience during alcohol withdrawal. Drinking alcohol stimulates dopamine release, and it’s one of the reasons why you may feel so euphoric when drinking. When you take alcohol away, dopamine levels will start to decrease, and your brain will continuously look for alcohol to feel “rewarded” again.
Cravings may also persist because of emotional triggers. If you feel stressed or lonely, you may start to look for alcohol to feel the comfort it once provided. It may seem enticing to drink again to overcome the struggle of experiencing these emotions.
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe withdrawal symptoms may include delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and tremors. These symptoms don’t happen often, but they can quickly become a medical emergency if they occur.
Delirium tremens is when you experience severe confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations after quitting alcohol. It typically occurs around 48 to 72 hours after your last drink, when symptoms peak.
These severe symptoms happen because the central nervous system becomes more active when you quit drinking. They last around 2 to 3 days, and you must immediately get the proper medical help when experiencing DTs.
Does Everyone Who Quits Alcohol Experience Withdrawal?
Not everyone who quits drinking will have withdrawal from alcohol. Some people may have mild withdrawal symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should overlook. The likelihood of experiencing symptoms of withdrawal usually depends on your drinking habits and overall health.
The people most likely to experience withdrawal are chronic heavy drinkers. If you’ve consumed large amounts of alcohol for a long period, your body will have a more difficult time adjusting to its absence. Withdrawal symptoms may become more intense as your body and brain try to function normally without drinking.
You’re less likely to experience withdrawal if you are a casual or short-term drinker. This is because it’s unlikely that you’ve developed a dependence on alcohol if you’ve only been drinking for a short time.
Is Detoxing Worth It?
Detox can be an incredibly challenging time, as proven by all the uncomfortable symptoms that come with it. However, overcoming this short period of extreme discomfort will significantly benefit your health and overall well-being. So, yes, going through the detox process is ultimately worth it.
Alcohol has serious effects on your physical health. It causes your organs to work twice as hard and can affect your immune system. Quitting alcohol means restoring your physical health. Your energy levels will slowly improve, and you’ll feel stronger over time.
Improved mental health is also one of the best benefits of detoxing from alcohol. Alcohol can rewire your brain and have long-term cognitive effects. By quitting, your brain’s neurotransmitter levels will slowly return to normal, and you’ll feel more emotionally stable.
Detox is the first step to living a sober life. While you may experience challenges and setbacks, consistent effort and support can help you live more happily and healthily.
How to Help Someone Going Through Alcohol Withdrawal
If you know someone going through withdrawal, keep in mind that this is a very difficult time for them. It takes a toll not only physically but also emotionally. However, we don’t discredit the fact that this is also an emotionally harrowing experience for loved ones.
Here’s how you can properly help someone going through withdrawal:
- Be There for Them:Sometimes, people going through withdrawal need a listening ear to help them feel less alone during the journey. Being there for them when things get tough can inspire them to go through detox. Reinforce their progress and celebrate small milestones to remind them of their strength.
- Encourage Professional Help: If you know someone who has problems with alcohol use, then it’s always best to encourage them to seek professional help. Professionals know what they’re doing, and they provide the best chance to recover and avoid relapse.
- Create a Safe Environment: People who are going through withdrawal need a space that’s free from alcohol and its triggers. It’s recommended to remove anything that may remind them of alcohol and reduce distractions for a more soothing environment.
- Set Boundaries: Helping someone through this tough time can also affect your well-being. As such, it’s important to set boundaries. Always remember never to enable their addiction. Don’t make excuses for their behaviour or cover up for their actions.
- Have Time for Self-Care: Self-care is also important when helping someone through withdrawal. Try to take a step back and have some time for yourself. Whether this is cooking a good meal or watching your favourite movie, having time for self-care is important to avoid burnout.
Live a More Fulfilling Life With Us
It’s never easy struggling with alcohol use disorder. The disease can have long-term health consequences and even affect the people around you. Despite the difficulties, there will always be hope and help.
At Sierra Recovery, we help you live a more fulfilling life by guiding you through detox and recovery. Our team is here to make the process more manageable and achievable. We have treatment programmes that can help you achieve lasting sobriety.
Reach out to us if you need help. We’re just a call or email away, and we will always ensure that someone on the other end can assist you.
