Detoxing from alcohol is a process that can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days after the last drink. The time it takes to detox from alcohol will vary depending on the following factors:
- Frequency of use: Those who have abused alcohol for a long time may experience a more difficult alcohol detox process. This is because the addiction has likely already created lasting changes in the body and brain.
- Severity of withdrawal symptoms: People with severe withdrawal symptoms are more likely to have a more difficult time detoxing from alcohol. They will need medical supervision to help lessen the risk of their symptoms.
- Overall health: Medical conditions may interfere with alcohol withdrawal. For instance, those with existing liver issues and immune system deficiencies may have more severe symptoms.
- Age: Older people have slower metabolic rates and reduced liver efficiency. They may find detoxing to be more complicated than younger people.
- Body composition: People with slower metabolisms process alcohol slower than those with faster metabolisms. If a person has a higher fat body percentage, they may have to go through a longer detox process.
- Support systems: Those with stronger support systems may receive better encouragement. This can potentially reduce the time it takes to detox from alcohol.
People who detox from alcohol will also experience various withdrawal symptoms, which is why medical supervision is important during this process.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a condition where people are unable to stop drinking despite negative consequences. It’s a chronic, relapsing disorder, which means that there is no “cure” for it. Rather, the condition must be managed long-term through different healthy coping mechanisms.
Other symptoms of alcohol addiction include:
- Developing a tolerance: As people continue to drink, they become more tolerant of alcohol’s effects. As a result, they will need more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
- Experiencing alcohol cravings: People with AUD experience constant cravings for alcohol, which makes it difficult for them to quit. These cravings can make it difficult to function daily as a person will only think about drinking alcohol and nothing else.
- Isolating from others: AUD is a condition that’s stigmatised by many. As a result, people with a drinking problem may isolate themselves because of the embarrassment. In some cases, they may isolate themselves from others so that they can keep on drinking.
- Neglecting responsibilities: People with AUD will prioritise drinking over anything else. They will neglect their responsibilities, such as work or school, to drink.
- Getting into financial problems: Many people will continue to drink even when it affects their finances. They may go into debt or become bankrupt because they keep purchasing alcohol.
It’s important to remember that people with AUD aren’t able to easily quit drinking. They will experience different symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that make it difficult to quit alcohol.
There are different risk factors for alcohol addiction, such as genetics, environmental factors, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These risk factors increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse, so it’s important to be aware of them.
When Is Alcohol Detox Necessary?
Alcohol detox is necessary when a person has developed alcohol dependence and is finding it difficult to quit drinking without experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This usually occurs in people who have been drinking heavily and regularly for an extended period.
This process is highly recommended for those who are facing severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. When the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are too dangerous to handle without medical help, it’s time to seek professional assistance. They are equipped with the right tools and experience to make the process safer.
Alcohol detox is also necessary for those with co-occurring health conditions. People struggling with mental health conditions need special care, especially when detoxing. Medications can be prescribed to manage the symptoms of these co-occurring mental health disorders.
When a person doesn’t have a supportive environment at home, it’s also recommended to seek alcohol detox. The absence of a supportive environment while detoxing can do more harm than good since it can hinder the recovery process. Professional detox creates a comfortable space where symptoms are properly managed.
What Happens During Detox From Alcohol?
When a person is detoxing from alcohol, they will first go through an assessment so that medical professionals can evaluate their symptoms. This will include taking a closer look at the person’s physical and mental health and their drinking history. Through these evaluations, professionals can create a personalised and comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the client’s needs and goals.
Detox is a process that focuses on stabilising a patient physically and emotionally. A patient’s vital signs are constantly monitored during this time. As the brain slowly rebalances neurotransmitter levels, withdrawal symptoms may happen.
In some cases, medications such as benzodiazepines and naltrexone will be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. These medications work by calming the nervous system and reducing cravings.
Shortly after alcohol detox, patients will also receive different therapies to help people with AUD understand the root causes of their addiction. One of the most common therapies used during detox is Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a talking therapy where clients get to the root of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms to stay sober.
Holistic therapies may also be incorporated during alcohol detox. Many rehab centres include therapies like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for a more well-rounded recovery. These types of holistic therapies can make a person feel more emotionally balanced when quitting alcohol.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may vary per person, but they generally include the following:
- Anxiety: Chronic alcohol use slows down brain activity and affects chemical balance. When a heavy drinker suddenly stops drinking, their brain can become overstimulated and cause feelings of anxiety.
- Nausea: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, and the body may find it difficult to adjust when a person stops drinking. This causes nausea and other digestive process, such as inflammation and gastritis.
- Sweating: Long-term drinking also impacts the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is the system that controls involuntary bodily functions. Sweating is one of the bodily functions that the ANS controls since it can become hyperactive in alcohol’s absence.
- Tremors: Quitting alcohol also affects and suppresses the central nervous system (CNS) and leads to involuntary shaking. This is typically one of the first signs of withdrawal.
- Cardiovascular issues: When a person with AUD quits alcohol, they may experience elevated heart rates and increased high blood pressure. People with existing cardiovascular issues are in more danger since these withdrawal symptoms can exacerbate existing disorders.
- Impaired cognitive function: Long-term alcohol use can negatively affect cognitive function. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause cognitive issues like memory problems and impaired decision-making.
- Alcohol cravings: Cravings during alcohol detox are more intense. Those with AUD will feel uncomfortable without alcohol in their system. This symptom is one of the symptoms that may persist even after a person is done with rehab.
People with severe AUD may experience delirium tremens (DTs) during detox. DTs are a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that happens around 48 to 72 hours after a person’s last drink. It causes symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, and extreme confusion.
Remember that DTs can be life-threatening, so immediate medical attention is required to prevent DTs from becoming fatal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
This is the general timeline for alcohol withdrawal:
- 6 to 12 hours after the last drink: During this time, mild symptoms may occur as alcohol levels drop. Since there is still some alcohol in the body, people may not feel as agitated when they haven’t had a drink.
- 12 to 72 hours after the last drink: This is the time when withdrawal symptoms are at their worst. Cravings are at an all-time high, and those with severe AUD may even experience DTs.
- 4 to 7 days after the last drink: Around this time, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may start to diminish. However, symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and cravings may persist.
- Beyond 7 to 10 days: After the 7 to 10 days, the detox process is typically over. This is called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). People may not struggle with extreme withdrawal symptoms anymore, but cravings may continue for the foreseeable future. Other psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, may surface.
What Happens After The Alcohol Detox Timeline?
After alcohol detox, many people proceed to professional addiction treatment, specifically rehab. Rehab is when people with AUD receive comprehensive and structured care to address the addiction.
In general, there are two types of addiction rehab: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient rehab happens 24/7 inside a rehab facility, while outpatient rehab is when clients can stay at home while receiving treatment.
During rehab, clients will receive therapies and attend different counselling sessions to help them understand their addiction. They will also learn different strategies to manage their symptoms. Therapists and other addiction specialists will help clients learn more ways to achieve and maintain an alcohol-free life.
Long-Term Outlook Of Alcohol Withdrawal And Detox
After treatment, many clients will notice better health and higher energy levels. Professional treatment can help clients improve their overall function, but some long-term damages may be irreversible.
Sobriety is also a lifelong commitment. People who have gone through alcohol withdrawal and detox need long-term management techniques to stay sober. This is why it’s important to have a good relapse prevention plan after treatment.
Many rehab centres provide aftercare plans to help people maintain their progress from addiction recovery. They can connect clients to support groups and provide continued therapy even after rehab.
Where To Get Professional Help And Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Professional help for alcohol addiction helps improve recovery outcomes. It provides clients with the proper strategies to achieve sobriety and maintain it.
Here at Sierra Recovery, we provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment in a safe and supportive setting. Our team is more than happy to assist you achieve the best version of yourself.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
