If you are considering quitting drinking, you may be worried about going through the alcohol withdrawal process. You may have heard about others getting very sick or even dying while detoxing from alcohol. It is understandable to be scared, especially if you are unsure what to expect during alcohol detox. However, you should not let that stop you from getting clean.
Sobriety is always a better option than remaining trapped in addiction. Instead, learn more about the alcohol detox timeline, how the alcohol detox process works, and how you can get through it safely.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, you can count on our caring staff to stick by your side throughout the alcohol withdrawal process to ensure your comfort and safety. Our alcohol detox program includes medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and guidance to minimize discomfort, address the root causes of addiction, and develop a relapse prevention plan. Call us today at 866.294.5306 with any questions you may have about detoxing from alcohol.
How Long Does the Alcohol Withdrawal Process Last?
Before you quit drinking, it can help set your mind at ease to know what happens as your body detoxes from alcohol. Knowing how the alcohol detox timeline progresses can alleviate any unnecessary panic about your withdrawal symptoms. It can also help you understand the necessity of choosing a professional alcohol detox program over at-home alcohol detox, especially if you have been drinking heavily or for many years.
Here is an overview of the average alcohol withdrawal process:
The First 12 hours
Depending on the severity of your addiction, withdrawal symptoms can start in as little as two hours after your last drink. Your earliest withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Shaking
12 to 24 hours
Your withdrawal symptoms will continue, and in addition to the above, may include:
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Low mood
- Headache
- Fatigue
24 to 72 hours
Withdrawal symptoms may peak at this time, and if your addiction is severe, you may also be at the highest risk of delirium tremens (DTs) during this period. DTs are a series of serious withdrawal symptoms that can include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Coma
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Rapid heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Tachycardia
Delirium tremens is the primary danger during alcohol withdrawal, so getting professional help for alcohol detox is recommended.
72 hours After the Last Drink
At this point, withdrawal symptoms tend to subside and fade away by the end of the first week. Your body will continue to heal from the effects of alcohol addiction, possibly taking up to one year for you to regain your overall health. As the months pass, you will start to look and feel much better.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox
An alcohol detox program can make the alcohol withdrawal process smoother and more comfortable. If your addiction is moderate to severe, you should strongly consider enrolling in treatment. These programs can help you get through the alcohol detox process by:
- Monitoring you 24/7 to ensure your safety, especially if you get the DTs
- Providing you with medication as needed to minimize withdrawal discomfort
- Administering IV drips if needed for dehydration
- Providing therapy sessions so you can talk through your detox challenges
- Giving you support from trained professionals who understand what you’re going through
- Preparing you for the next stage of treatment to help you stay sober
Without a professional alcohol detox program, you run the risk of dehydration, physical and mental health complications, and delirium tremens. You will also have a higher chance of relapse since many people go back to drinking to relieve the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
Trust Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida to Help You Through the Alcohol Detox Process
Make the safer choice and get help from an alcohol detox program. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida offers comfortable accommodations in beautiful sunny Florida as you go through the alcohol withdrawal process. Call us today at 866.294.5306 to start your journey to sobriety.
