Alcohol Detoxification
Some people are apprehensive to quit drinking due to withdrawal symptoms, but alcohol detox is the first step
in treating alcoholism.
Alcohol detoxification (also known as detox) is the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake in individuals that suffer
from alcohol dependence. This process is often coupled with substitution of drugs that have effects similar to
the effects of alcohol in order to prevent alcohol withdrawal. When withdrawal does occur, it results in
symptoms of varying severity. Detoxification may or may not be indicated depending upon an individual's age,
medical status, and history of alcohol intake
The Importance Of Alcohol Detox
The alcohol detox stage is the first step in treating alcoholism. During this time, alcohol is completely flushed
from your body. Withdrawal symptoms typically subside within approximately 1-2 weeks after starting detox;
however, this could take longer depending on the severity of your AUD. From there, you will be able to focus
on other aspects of the recovery process such as different activities, therapies, counseling sessions and support
options.
Alcohol is a depressant that your body begins to rely on over the course of months and years of drinking. Your
brain eventually stops producing certain chemicals that it receives from alcohol, becoming dependent on the
drug. That’s why when you quit drinking, it takes time for your body to adjust. This is what causes withdrawal
symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, irregular heartbeat and hallucinations.
Some people are apprehensive to quit drinking because they’re nervous about the withdrawal symptoms
experienced during alcohol detox. While some people may only be affected by minor effects of alcoholism,
others may face extreme pain. Withdrawal symptoms can change quickly and aggressively, which is why it’s
important to detox under the care of medical professionals. Treatment professionals at a rehab facility will be
able to help you manage your pain with different medications. This allows you to focus on your recovery and
get better.
Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox
The alcohol detox phase can involve withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild intensity to life-threatening.
Oftentimes, the longevity and severity of your alcohol use disorder (AUD) will play a role in the withdrawal
symptoms you experience. For example, individuals who have struggled with years of heavy drinking are more
likely to develop serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
Minor symptoms of alcohol detox include: More serious alcohol detox withdrawal symptoms
Anxiety are:
Sweating Tremors
Nausea Seizures
Insomnia Extreme hallucinations
Headaches Disorientation
Delirium tremens (in rare cases)
Although uncommon, the most serious effect from alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. It can start within
two to five days after your last drink and can be life-threatening. However, less than five percent of people will
develop delirium tremens when quitting drinking.
Due to the severity of some withdrawal symptoms, alcohol detox should be monitored by a medical
professional. This is especially true for those who have a history of lung or heart diseases, or other medical
conditions, as withdrawal symptoms can quickly worsen. Your treatment specialist will be able to track your
blood pressure and heart rate to make sure your condition doesn’t worsen. You can also talk with them about
the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as if you are in any pain. This information helps your medical team
determine which medicine will help alleviate your discomfort.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms can begin to surface in as early as two hours after your last drink. While the most painful
symptoms typically subside within the first week, some mild symptoms can last for several weeks to a year.
There is no exact timeline as to when or what withdrawal symptoms you will experience; however, there’s a
general outline of what to expect.
Here’s a breakdown of the alcohol detox process:
According to the American Addiction Centers, initial detox takes about a week. However, a person may find
that their symptoms continue for longer. In most cases, a person can expect the following timeline:
About 8 hours after the first drink, the initial stage of withdrawal symptoms begins.
After about 24–72 hours, symptoms generally peak.
After about 5–7 days, symptoms may decrease in intensity.
After the first week, some side effects, particularly the psychological ones, may continue.
Withdrawal symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically occur in three stages:
Stage 1: The first symptoms, which include nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and abdominal pain, tend to begin
within 8 hours of the last drink.
Stage 2: Symptoms can include high blood pressure, increased body temperature, abnormal heart rate, and
confusion. These symptoms typically begin 24–72 hours after the last drink.
Stage 3: Symptoms typically begin about 2–4 days after the final drink and can include fever, seizures,
hallucinations, and agitation.
As the alcohol leaves the system, a person should start to notice symptoms decreasing. Most people tend to
notice a reduction in symptoms within 5–7 days.
In addition to physical symptoms, a person will likely experience some psychological side effects, such as
alcohol cravings or anxiety.
Finally, it is important to note that, in certain cases, a person could experience life threatening symptoms due to
alcohol withdrawal. According to Recovery Worldwide, alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person stops
drinking following heavy and prolonged use.
They also note that a person can experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome whether they have been drinking for
weeks, months, or years.
Withdrawal syndrome can be dangerous, particularly if a person experiences severe hallucinations or seizures.
For this reason, it is advisable to go to a rehab center, where the staff can help monitor worsening symptoms.
Alcohol Detox Timeline Summary
The most uncomfortable detox withdrawal symptoms usually peak around 10-30 hours after the last drink and
start to lessen by 40-50 hours. Although delirium tremens is unlikely, roughly 30% of those who get it will also
develop Aspiration Pneumonia. A medically-assisted withdrawal helps prevent serious complications, keeps
track of a patient’s health condition, and relieves any painful effects.
