Alcohol addiction is a dangerous health condition and one that can be fatal if it goes untreated. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms result from your body trying to process and cope with alcohol addiction. If you are addicted to alcohol and are open to getting help, you probably want to know what you are getting into before beginning treatment at an alcohol detox center. Knowing what to expect in alcohol detox can help you prepare for the beginning of your recovery journey.
When you choose Promises Brazos Valley for your alcohol addiction treatment, you will never have to feel alone in your recovery. We are here to safely guide you through the stages of alcohol detox so you can make it to the other side of addiction and move on to a healthy, happy sober life. Call us today at 979.426.0086 with questions about our alcohol detox center.
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox
The primary purpose of alcohol detox is to help you get through withdrawal safely and more comfortably. Some symptoms can endanger your health, and some can even be fatal. This is why it is important to enlist the help of an alcohol detox center when you are ready to quit alcohol. An alcohol detox center will support you with treatments such as:
- Medication – This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of getting professional help for alcohol detox. The staff can administer medications to alleviate your discomfort so you can stay the course while your body detoxes from alcohol.
- Behavioral therapy – Alcohol addiction often occurs in connection with mental health conditions, grief, or life stressors. To help you stay sober after detox, you need to address these issues with behavioral therapy.
- Holistic therapy – Detoxing from alcohol can be an uncomfortable experience. Holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises can help reduce your stress levels to help you reach your recovery goals.
Along with the above components, you will also have the around-the-clock monitoring and support of a team of addiction treatment professionals. They can address your concerns and lend an ear when you need someone to talk to during treatment.
Stages of Alcohol Detox
When you drink regularly over a long period, your body becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol in your system. When you suddenly stop drinking, this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms if not addressed promptly by medical professionals. Here are the stages of alcohol detox and the symptoms that go along with each:
Stage One – Six to 12 Hours After Your Last Drink
Alcohol withdrawal usually begins within six to 12 hours after you stop drinking. Some common early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Headache
Stage Two – 12 to 24 Hours After Your Last Drink
Your symptoms usually worsen at this time, and in addition to the early withdrawal symptoms above, you may also experience:
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
These symptoms are more common in people with severe alcohol addiction.
Stage Three – 48 hours or More After Your Last Drink
Symptoms may begin to dissipate at this point unless you have a severe addiction. People with severe alcohol addiction can experience delirium tremens (DTs) two to five days after the last drink. Some symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
The safest way to detox from alcohol is under the care of professionals at an alcohol detox center, especially if your struggle with addiction has been long-term.
Begin Recovery at Promises Brazos Valley
If you are addicted to alcohol, detoxing from it can be dangerous. You can be sure that your comfort and safety are prioritized when you enroll in treatment at Promises Brazos Valley. The staff at our alcohol detox center will be by your side throughout detox. Call us today at 979.426.0086 to get started.