What Is Alcohol Detox?
For those with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol detox is the first step toward recovery. Detox is the process through which the body rids itself of toxins, and resets after substance abuse. This process can be uncomfortable due to the presence of withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms are difficult to manage on your own. Detox programs for AUD are a popular choice for withdrawal management and make the process a lot safer.
How Long Does it Last?
Detox timelines are different for everyone. The process of alcohol detox lasts anywhere between two and ten days. The length of detox will depend on your age, health, and history of alcohol use. Some individuals with severe AUD develop what is known as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). For those with PAWS, withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a year or longer.
Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox
Symptoms of alcohol detox set in anywhere from 6-12 hours after the last drink. These symptoms peak around the 36-72 hour mark. Symptoms of alcohol detox include:
- Anxiety
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Cognitive impairment
- Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
In severe detox and withdrawal, there may be other symptoms and complications as well. These complications can be dangerous, making them difficult to manage from home. These symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Extreme changes to body temperature and blood pressure
- Feelings of intense agitation
Alcohol Detox At Essence Healthcare
At Essence, we offer both medically assisted and subacute detox programs to meet your unique needs. Our medical detox facility in Hollywood Hills boasts state-of-the-art equipment and empathetic staff available 24/7. For those with severe AUD, round-the-clock monitoring and care are key to preventing complications.
We understand, however, that not everyone needs medical detox. Because of this, we also offer subacute detox programs. These programs are less intense than traditional medical detox programs. This type of detox program is a good fit for someone who may not need 24/7 supervision but still wants support through the detox process.
Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Addiction is a disease that requires different levels and types of care as time goes on. Whether you choose to undergo a medical detox or a subacute detox program – it is important to transition into further treatment. Transitioning into a treatment program will help you address harmful patterns and give you the tools to stay sober.
At Essence, we have programs for every step of your recovery journey. We offer partial hospitalization, inpatient rehab, outpatient and outpatient intensive, and sober living. Additionally, we offer comprehensive aftercare programs to fully support you once you have graduated from treatment.
Why Choose Essence Healthcare?
Not only do we have programs for every step of your recovery journey – our programs are completely customizable to your needs. At Essence, each individual is assigned a personal recovery team of two case managers, a primary therapist, two supporting staff members, and one doctor. Your recovery team will work with you to come up with a treatment plan to help you heal and stay sober in the long run. Ready to start your journey to a sober, alcohol-free life? Call us today for a consultation.
About Essence Healthcare
We are a patient-first substance abuse and mental health treatment facility located in Los Angeles, California. At Essence Healthcare, we provide different levels of care from detoxification to drug rehab aftercare. Our major specialties include intensive outpatient program (IOP), detox, residential, and partial hospitalization program (PHP). Because we want the best for our patients, we skillfully blend different treatment programs to offer a unique recovery path for each and every one of them.
