When someone repeatedly consumes alcohol or drugs, their body adapts to the substance and modifies how it functions to counteract the consequences. When detoxing from alcohol, it is usually advised to do so under medical supervision because it can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Drugs and alcohol affect how the brain works by interfering with neurotransmitters, which are substances in the brain. The brain makes adjustments to preserve balance. If the user later stops using the drug, it will take some time for their brain to become used to not having the drug’s effects. Detoxification refers to the initial phase of readjustment, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms that are often the reverse of the effects of the substance.
When someone says they are “detoxing,” they indicate they are going through unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms as their body and brain attempt to resume normal functioning after quitting a substance they had been taking often. Programs for detoxification, also known as detox, offer medical treatments to lessen withdrawal symptoms and enhance the possibility that a person won’t start using drugs again.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is a group of symptoms that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily, suddenly stops drinking. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening in some cases.
The most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Anxiety: This is one of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. People going through withdrawal may feel restless, anxious, and irritable.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. People going through withdrawal may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can be severe and lead to dehydration.
- Headaches: Headaches are another common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. These headaches can be mild or severe, and they can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Tremors: Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions in the hands, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Tremors are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can be mild or severe.
- Sweating: Sweating is another common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. People going through withdrawal may sweat excessively, even when not feeling hot.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a less common symptom of alcohol withdrawal but can be severe. People who have high blood pressure during withdrawal should seek medical attention immediately.
- Seizures: Seizures are a severe complication of alcohol withdrawal. Seizures can occur in people who have been drinking heavily for a long time and can be life-threatening.
- Delirium tremens (DTs): DTs are a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening. DTs are characterized by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, and seizures.
How Long Do the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually start within 6 to 12 hours after someone stops drinking. The symptoms peak within 24 to 72 hours and typically subside within 5 to 10 days. However, some people may experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or months.
What Happens While Detoxing from Alcohol?
During alcohol detox, your body will go through a number of changes as it adjusts to the lack of alcohol. These changes can include:
- Increased heart rate: Your heart rate may increase as your body tries to compensate for the lack of alcohol.
- Increased blood pressure: Your blood pressure may also increase as your body tries to compensate for the lack of alcohol.
- Sweating: You may sweat more than usual as your body tries to cool itself down.
- Tremors: You may experience tremors in your hands, arms, or other parts of your body.
- Anxiety: You may feel anxious or restless as your body adjusts to the lack of alcohol.
- Insomnia: You may have trouble sleeping as your body tries to rest.
- Nausea and vomiting: You may experience nausea and vomiting as your body detoxifies.
- Headaches: You may get headaches as your body adjusts to the lack of alcohol.
What to Expect After Alcohol Detox
After detoxing from alcohol, you may still experience some lingering symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. However, these symptoms should gradually improve over time.
What Are the Risks of Detoxing from Alcohol at Home?
There are many options to help with the alcohol detox process. Some are safer and have higher rates of success than others. However, it is never recommended for you to detox alone, at home. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary in severity, but they can be dangerous and, in some cases, even life-threatening.
The most common risks of detoxing from alcohol at home include:
- Seizures: Seizures are a severe complication of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening. Seizures can occur in people who have been drinking heavily for a long time, and sudden changes in blood alcohol levels can trigger them.
- Delirium tremens (DTs): DTs are a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening. DTs are characterized by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, and seizures.
- Heart problems: Alcohol withdrawal can increase your risk of heart problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
- High blood pressure: Alcohol withdrawal can increase blood pressure, leading to heart problems and other health complications.
- Stroke: Alcohol withdrawal can increase your risk of stroke, a severe medical condition that can cause permanent damage to the brain.
- Death: Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, especially in people with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions.
How to Reduce the Risks of Alcohol Detox
The best way to reduce the risks of alcohol detox is to seek medical help. A doctor can help you safely detox from alcohol and manage any withdrawal symptoms that you experience.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risks of alcohol detox, including:
- Taper off your alcohol intake gradually. This will help your body adjust to the lack of alcohol gradually and reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest. Resting will help your body heal and recover from the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can worsen withdrawal symptoms, so it is vital to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal and recover from the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine and nicotine can worsen withdrawal symptoms, so it is best to avoid them during detox.
- Talk to a therapist or counselor. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you deal with the emotional and psychological challenges of alcohol withdrawal.
Types of Alcohol Detox Programs
There are five types of alcohol detox programs: inpatient and outpatient.
- Inpatient detox: Inpatient detox is a type of treatment where you stay in a hospital or treatment center while you go through withdrawal. Inpatient detox is the most intensive type of treatment for alcohol withdrawal, and it is often recommended for people who have severe symptoms or who are at risk of complications.
- Outpatient detox: Outpatient detox is a type of treatment where you go to a treatment center during the day and return home at night. Outpatient detox is a less intensive type of treatment than inpatient detox, and it is often recommended for people with mild symptoms or who are not at risk of complications.
- Residential treatment: Residential treatment is a type of treatment where you will live in a treatment center for some time. Residential treatment is often recommended for people who have severe alcohol use disorders or who need extra support to stay sober.
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHP is a type of treatment where you will go to a treatment center for several hours each day, but you will not stay overnight. PHP is a good option for people who need more support than outpatient detox but do not need the full-time care of inpatient detox.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOP is a type of treatment where you will go to a treatment center for a few hours each week. IOP is a good option for people who need some support to stay sober but do not need the full-time care of inpatient or PHP treatment.
What is the Best Type of Alcohol Detox Program for Me?
Alcohol detox is the process of your body adjusting to a lack of alcohol after you have been drinking heavily for a while. There are many different types of alcohol detox programs available, and the best type of program for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The best way to choose the best alcohol detox program for you is to talk to your doctor or a qualified addiction treatment professional. They can help you assess your individual needs and preferences and recommend the best type of program for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alcohol Detox Program
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an alcohol detox program, including:
- The severity of your alcohol use disorder: If you have a severe alcohol use disorder, you may need to be in an inpatient detox program where you will be monitored 24/7. If you have a mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, you may be able to do an outpatient detox program where you will go to a treatment center during the day and return home at night.
- Your overall health: If you have any underlying health conditions, you must choose a detox program that can accommodate your needs.
- Your lifestyle: If you have a busy job or family commitments, you may want to choose an outpatient detox program that will allow you to continue your daily activities.
- Your budget: Alcohol detox programs can vary in cost, so you must choose a program that fits your budget.
Getting Help: Detox Center of San Diego
Alcoholism destroys personal relationships and takes a toll on your career. When you enroll in our alcohol detox program at the Detox Center of San Diego, you have taken the first and most important step towards returning to a life of sobriety. Because of the mental and physical benefits of sobriety, deciding where to enroll in an alcohol detox program should not be taken lightly.
Working with one of the licensed and certified therapists at our San Diego clinic can start your journey toward living an alcohol-free lifestyle.
