The alcohol detox process is intricate and is safest when managed by medical professionals and detox specialists. Since alcohol is widely available in places like gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores, many people underestimate both the challenges of overcoming alcohol addiction and the dangers of detoxing without proper support. While some alcohol withdrawal symptoms are well-known, others can be severe and more complex.
Common Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Some recognizable symptoms during alcohol detox include anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, depression, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms that can be uncomfortable include rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, tremors, body aches, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These can escalate quickly, especially when paired with complications like dehydration and high blood pressure.
One of the most serious risks during alcohol detox is delirium tremens (DT), which can result in extreme confusion, agitation, seizures, hallucinations, and fever. Without medical intervention, DT can lead to cardiovascular collapse, with a mortality rate of up to 37%. It typically appears about 48 hours after alcohol cessation and can last for up to 5 days. However, a medically supervised detox reduces the risk of DT and ensures prompt care if complications arise.
Medications Used in Alcohol Detox
A medically supervised detox is the safest approach to quitting drinking, often marking the initial phase of alcohol addiction recovery. Commonly used medications to ease withdrawal symptoms include:
- Benzodiazepines – Lower seizure risk and help manage insomnia.
- Anticonvulsants – Address severe symptoms and reduce seizure likelihood.
- Barbiturates – Manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Disulfiram – Inhibits alcohol metabolism.
- Naltrexone – Reduces alcohol cravings.
- Acamprosate – Helps rebalance the central nervous system.
These medications should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision in an inpatient setting, as misuse can have anegative effects. Your healthcare team will assess your needs and tailor medication choices based on your drinking history and detox progress.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Your alcohol detox experience depends largely on the length and severity of your alcohol use. Tolerance and dependence shape the timeline, but here’s a general guide on what to expect:
- 6 hours after your last drink: Mild symptoms like nausea, insomnia, sweating, anxiety, and alcohol cravings may begin.
- 12 to 48 hours after your last drink: Symptoms intensify, and heavy drinkers may experience seizures or hallucinations. Medical support is crucial during this period to manage symptoms and discomfort.
- 48 to 72 hours after your last drink: This period is critical for DT risk. Although DT affects about 5% of people, long-term heavy drinkers face a greater risk.
Withdrawal symptoms often peak around the 72-hour mark, though the timeline varies depending on the extent of alcohol use.
It’s Never Too Late for Treatment
Selecting the right detox program can make all the difference in recovery. Medically supervised alcohol detox lays the groundwork for a successful path to sobriety. Once the withdrawal phase is complete and you are stable, you can move on to the next stage of treatment. This next phase is typically residential or inpatient rehab. The Solution Based Treatment admissions team is here to connect you with programs that support lasting recovery.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.