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How to Detox from Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects 15 to 20 million Americans each year. Alcohol addiction does not discriminate. People of all ages and walks of life, socio-economic status and profession, education level, race, gender, and ethnicity make up the ranks of those struggling with alcohol addiction. Luckily, there is help available. Alcohol detox followed by addiction treatment at an alcohol rehab center sets you up for your best chance for ongoing recovery success. An alcohol detox center is the safest way to get started.

Find out how to detox from alcohol under medical supervision in an alcohol detox center. You can reach out to CeDAR to speak to a staff member who can answer your questions. Contact us if you want to know the answers to questions such as: “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” or “What are the stages of alcohol withdrawal?” Our online form can connect you to someone on our staff, or you can dial 720.848.3000.

What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from alcohol is a challenging process. The minute you take your last drink, it begins, and the physical and psychological symptoms start within a few hours.

The physical symptoms of withdrawal include:

  • Pallor
  • Sweating
  • Clammy skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Heart palpitations
  • Hypertension

The psychological or behavioral symptoms can include:

  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety]
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances, including nightmares
  • Emotional fragility

Delirium tremens (DTs) is experienced by up to 10% of people undergoing withdrawal from alcohol. DTs is fatal in about 5% of those who experience them. Being under the supervision of a physician is the best way to weather the DTs if they happen during your detox. DTs comes with symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Profuse sweating
  • Fluctuating blood pressure
  • Violent tremors
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Extreme disorientation and confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Sensory sensitivity
  • Seizures

For those with an AUD, withdrawal from alcohol can be a frightening prospect, but in a professional alcohol detox center, you are in safe hands.

How to Detox from Alcohol

Medically managed detox is the only truly safe way to withdraw from alcohol due to some of the dangers listed above. It also ensures that the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol are more easily tolerated.

Some of the ways treatment centers will support you as you detox from alcohol include:

  • Harm reduction – Your medical team will provide prescription medications to mitigate the most painful and disorienting symptoms.
    Absence of triggers – Withdrawal is a vulnerable time, so going through the process in the controlled environment of an alcohol detox center reduces your risk of relapse.
  • Counseling – The psychological roller coaster during detox is often as challenging as the physical symptoms. In detox, professional counselors offer you the therapeutic support you need during this time.
  • Wrap-around medical care – Having medical staff on-hand 24 hours daily ensures your safety. If there are co-occurring mental or physical health conditions, whether previously diagnosed or discovered during the detox process, the medical staff can manage them safely.

The most important part of the entire process is taking the first step. Let CeDAR help you take that step with confidence and optimism, fully supported by our professional, compassionate staff.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?

The timeline for alcohol detox at an alcohol detox center like the one at CeDAR looks something like this:

  • In the first few hours, you’ll have cravings and feel restless.
  • Within six to 12 hours, you will likely experience headaches, stomach pain, suppressed appetite, nausea, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
  • Within 12 to 48 hours, your symptoms peak and may include hallucinations and seizures.
  • Over the next 32 hours, your discomfort continues with fever, confusion, racing heart, and hypertension. DTs may arise during this stage.
  • After 72 hours, your symptoms will gradually lessen.
  • After seven days, the detox stage is complete, with total physical withdrawal.

At a detox center, you will be supported by knowledgeable staff who have your comfort and best outcomes top of mind.

Get Professional Help with Detox at CeDAR

Let CeDAR support you through your detox. Find out more by calling us today at 720.848.3000 or using our online form below.