Alcohol detoxification, commonly shortened as simply “detox,” is when you deprive your body of alcohol until it is no longer circulating in your bloodstream. Your recovery journey begins here.
Detoxing from a number of drugs is relatively safe. However, alcohol, despite being easily and legally obtainable, can have some of the most serious detox side effects. In some cases, the experience can even be fatal. That’s why it is often recommended that this process is monitored by professionals who can tend to any medical emergencies that may arise.
Addiction affects everyone differently. As such, you may encounter a variety of symptoms during alcohol detox, and the severity of each of these may vary.
Common Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Mental and physical health issues that occur when you stop using alcohol are called withdrawals. The drug alters the way your brain and body work. When your body’s various systems become dependent on alcohol to function “normally”, there is a period of adjustment needed to get things back on track. Just a few hours after your last drink, might begin experiencing symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Hand tremors
- Feelings of nervousness or anxiousness
- Difficulty sleeping
Severe Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Depending on the length and severity of your addiction, genetics and personal health factors, you may experience more serious problems when detoxing from alcohol. Hallucinations and seizures can begin within a day or two of your last drink.
One out of every twenty alcoholics may suffer from delirium tremens (DTs). These typically start around three days after you quit drinking and may include:
- Fever and heavy sweating
- Rising blood pressure
- Increased heartrate
- Paranoid episodes including delusions
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
The process of detoxing from alcohol may take just a few days for some. Others may experience withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting to detox on your own as medical assistance might be required.
Detox from Alcohol at Footprints
The team at Footprints Beachside Recovery will make sure you are as safe and comfortable as possible during alcohol detox. We want the first step on your path to wellness to be a success, and our program will provide the support, education and training you need to overcome addiction.
It’s easy to make excuses why you don’t need treatment. If you’ve tried on your own and failed, you might tell yourself sobriety is impossible for someone who is truly addicted. That’s a myth. The truth is that people achieve that goal every day. You can be one of them. Talk to one of our counselors and start recovering from alcoholism now.
