There are several important questions that come up when you decide to stop drinking alcohol. You might be apprehensive about the effects of detox and perhaps you’re worried about withdrawal, or what life might be like after you stop drinking. Most people are also very concerned about returning to their daily responsibilities as quickly as possible, which makes these questions first on the list. Here are some important concerns that need to be addressed when you decide to quit drinking for good:
- How long does it take to detox from alcohol?
- Do I need to worry about detox causing complications with my other health issues?
- What kind of side effects can I expect?
- What kind of help can I get with the detox process?
- What can I expect from the treatment options available to me?
What to Expect From Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox from alcohol is the period of time between the sudden stoppage of alcohol intake and the time where all traces of alcohol have left the body. This is the first step on the journey to recovery, and it can be difficult. This acute stage of alcohol detox usually lasts between seven and ten days, during which time you may experience a range of side effects. These will vary depending on the length and severity of your alcohol use. During the first hours, you can expect:
- Feeling of sickness or nausea in stomach
- Heightened anxiety and irritability
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in heart rate
- Tremors
These symptoms may progress into the next few days. These first few days are a dangerous time for the recovering alcoholic, as these additional symptoms can rapidly worsen and become dangerous. These symptoms include:
- Strange feelings in the skin
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate
- Chest pain
- Delirium tremens
Severe cases of alcohol addiction may require medical monitoring for the first few days to ensure that these symptoms are addressed if they begin to escalate. The risk of heart attack and stroke often remain high throughout the detox process, depending on the overall health of the person recovering.
How Long Does it Take to Detox From Alcohol at a Professional Detox Facility?
The struggle to live a sober life doesn’t end with the decision to detox from alcohol. It’s best to go into this process with the understanding that you’re re-learning how to live without alcohol. This is going to bring challenges into your life, and it will be hard. But the results are worth the effort. To increase your chances of success and help make your detox as comfortable as possible, contact us now.
New Start Detox can’t change the amount of time it takes to detox, but we can help make it a better experience. We provide high-quality meals and a safe, comfortable environment. We’ll connect you with the aftercare you need to stay sober after detox. Call us today at 855-737-7363, and learn how you can make a new start.