Is Alcohol Detox For You?

If you’re addicted to alcohol, there is no easy way to quit. It will require a lot of self-control, dedication, and the help of a team of professionals to support you.  

Fighting the urges to drink and maintaining sobriety are lifelong challenges, but the whole process starts with detox. 

After you admit that you have a problem with alcohol, the first step is seeking treatment. Detox will be the first part of that treatment and is essential for recovery. 

If you want to be free from alcohol, understanding the dangers it causes, how treatment works, and getting help is vital to your comfort during the recovery process and beyond. 

Why Detoxing From Alcohol Is Essential 

Although alcohol is a legal substance for those over the age of 21, that doesn’t make it safe. There are many dangers and risks that come with alcohol use, especially long-term use due to addiction. Problematic behavior such as binge drinking also comes with serious risks. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ridding your body from alcohol is the best way to prevent and stop the adverse effects of alcohol use, such as: 

• Injuries from accidents like car crashes, falls, and fires 

• Violence 

• Alcohol poisoning 

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems 

• A variety of cancers 

• Weakened immune system 

• Memory problems 

• Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety 

• Family problems, job-related problems, unemployment, and legal issues 

By detoxing from alcohol and starting a treatment program that is right for you, recovery is in your future. 

What Is Alcohol Detox Like? 

Knowing that detox can save your life and understanding what to expect from it are two different things. Learning about the process of alcohol detox, what happens, and how it feels will prepare you for what’s to come.  

The detox process varies from person to person. Depending on how long you’ve been drinking, how much you’ve been drinking, and when your last drink was, the treatment will differ. 

Upon entering a detox program, medical staff will examine you and determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. An assessment of your current state, medical history, and mental health will occur upon check-in.  

This is also when you will meet the care staff that will be with you through your detox and beyond if you are in a facility that also offers rehab. These are the people that will get you through and make medically supervised detox such an excellent option for those addicted to alcohol. 

Detoxing will never be enjoyable, but the long-term benefits greatly outweigh the hurdles. Every feeling you experience during detox is temporary, as long as you remain in recovery. Knowing what the process entails beforehand can prevent feelings of stress and worry before and during detox. 

Detoxing from alcohol under medical supervision is best because of the intensity of withdrawal symptoms when attempting it alone or at home. Withdrawing from alcohol without the help of professionals or medication leads to shakes, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, and seizures. 

These symptoms occur from the first few hours without alcohol through days but vary in severity throughout. 

A few hours into detox, the symptoms may include agitation, anxiety, nausea, and sweating. These symptoms can mimic a hangover but are essential not to ignore.  

Within 12 to 24 hours after your last drink, the symptoms will change to things like fever, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.  

The most severe symptoms from alcohol withdrawal happen from 48 to 72 hours and include more dangerous effects like hallucinations and seizures. Medical supervision during professional alcohol detox is essential during this time. It helps lessen these symptoms, offers comfort and care in a vulnerable state, and ensures your health.  

Detox alleviates these symptoms and leads to a more comfortable experience. Alcohol withdrawal usually lasts between five to seven days. From there, the physical symptoms typically subside, leading you into further treatment for the mental and emotional aspects of addiction. 

How to Get Treatment 

Looking for addiction treatment for alcohol detox may seem intimidating. Admitting you have an addiction can feel hard enough but asking for help can bring up a lot of emotions.  

When you decide you want to start treatment, reach out to a trusted loved one who can help you find the right detox and rehab center. This is someone who can help you make phone calls, prepare you for the process, and educate themselves alongside you.  

Having a support person who can provide love and care during this time can help motivate you to continue looking for a suitable facility and stick with your sobriety. 

Remember: Detox Isn’t The Same Thing As Withdrawal 

Withdrawing from alcohol is dangerous, especially when done alone. Withdrawal comes with significant health problems, pain, and discomfort risks, while alcohol detox is done in a safe space with medical guidance and care. An experienced team of professionals observes your vital signs continuously, medicates you when needed, and keeps you as comfortable as possible. This experience can last up to a week but is worth it for the lifelong recovery you can have as a result. 

The dangers of extensive alcohol use can be severe and life-threatening, but detox is your best chance at living a fulfilling sober life. Here, at DetoxNearMe.com, we can help you find the right detox facility for you and your needs. Reach out to DetoxNearMe.com for more information on the best detox centers in your area.