When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, it can be challenging to quit drinking cold turkey. The road to recovery starts with detox, but individuals may feel reluctant to take this step due to concerns about the duration and intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, a professional alcohol detox center can tell you what to expect and make the experience safe and comfortable.
At Fort Behavioral Health, our alcohol detox program includes around-the-clock monitoring and medical care to promote well-being and comfort during this critical stage of recovery. We can tailor treatment to meet your unique needs or those of a loved one. Call us at 844.332.1807 to learn more about how we help clients live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the body’s reaction to suddenly stopping or dramatically reducing alcohol intake after heavy drinking. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including physical and psychological effects. People who have been drinking heavily for a long time are at the highest risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Without medical supervision, it may cause potentially life-threatening complications.
The first step in understanding why people withdraw is knowing how alcohol affects the body. When someone drinks beer, wine, or liquor, it enters their bloodstream and goes to areas of the brain that control emotions and behavior. Prolonged exposure to alcohol causes changes in brain chemistry that may result in physical dependence. As toxins leave the body, individuals may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Perceptual changes such as hallucinations or seizures
Individuals may also experience anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things clearly during withdrawal.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for alcohol withdrawal. Some people can get through it within a day or two, while others remain affected for weeks or months. However, a general timeline of symptoms is as follows:
- First 12 hours – Headaches, anxiety, stomach pains, insomnia, and nausea
- After 12-48 hours – Disorientation, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures
- After 48-72 hours – Fever, sweating, confusion, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and hallucinations
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the effects depends on a person’s overall health and their body’s ability to readjust to the absence of alcohol.
Although there are many risks associated with alcohol withdrawal, it is essential to remember that deciding to stop drinking can be life-saving in the long run. Abstaining from alcohol allows a person to regain control over their life while avoiding long-term health problems, such as liver disease or cancer. It’s crucial for people with alcohol use disorder to break free from dependence, so they don’t find themselves in a cycle of relapse every time they try to quit drinking. Professional help in an alcohol detox program can make the withdrawal process more manageable and lower the risk of a relapse.
Start an Alcohol Detox Program at Fort Behavioral Health
Alcohol withdrawal may include significant health risks for some people, so it’s always best to seek professional help instead of detoxing alone at home. At Fort Behavioral Health, we understand how challenging it is to quit drinking. We are committed to providing a safe, judgment-free, and comfortable environment for each patient to begin their journey toward sobriety and recovery. We offer various treatments and therapies for alcohol addiction and consider each client’s needs and goals in their program. Contact us today at 844.332.1807, or fill out our online form, and we can tell you more about our approach to addiction treatment.
