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
Risks and Benefits of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is serious and carries some risks. Severe symptoms of detox have the potential to be fatal. Because of this, alcohol detox is best done under the supervision of a medical professional or at a detox center. One of the benefits of detoxing at a detox center is that it makes it easier to transition into further treatment.
Alcohol detox is not a stand-alone treatment for alcohol use disorder. For most, a transition to further treatment is needed to maintain sobriety. Another benefit of supervised detox is that it allows for medications to be prescribed to ease symptoms.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
Supervised alcohol detox can be broken into three steps. Once you arrive at your detox program – you will receive an overall evaluation. The doctor will take some time in getting to know you and your history of alcohol use. After the evaluation, the medical team will take efforts to get you into a stable condition. This includes prescribing medication and giving fluids.
During this time you will be monitored for any changes and supported through your experience. Once the initial stages of detox are over, the next step is a transition to further treatment. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can include things like partial hospitalization programs, and inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment options.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
Supervised alcohol detox can be broken into three steps. Once you arrive at your detox program – you will receive an overall evaluation. The doctor will take some time in getting to know you and your history of alcohol use. After the evaluation, the medical team will take efforts to get you into a stable condition. This includes prescribing medication and giving fluids.
During this time you will be monitored for any changes and supported through your experience. Once the initial stages of detox are over, the next step is a transition to further treatment. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can include things like partial hospitalization programs, and inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment options.
Alcohol Detox at Essence Health and Wellness
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.
Essence Health and Wellness and The Continuum of Care
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 Health and Wellness?
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.
