The alcohol detox process can be complex, and it’s safest to undergo it with medical professionals and detox specialists. Since alcohol is easily accessible in places like gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores, many people underestimate how challenging alcohol addiction can be and how risky detoxing from it without help truly is. While some alcohol withdrawal symptoms are well-known, others can be much more serious and complicated.
Common Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Some of the more familiar alcohol detox symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, depression, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms that can cause discomfort include a rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, tremors, body aches, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can worsen quickly, especially when combined with complications like dehydration and high blood pressure.
One of the most serious potential side effects of alcohol detox is delirium tremens (DT). DT can cause severe mental confusion, agitation, seizures, hallucinations, and fever. Without medical care, DT has a high risk of cardiovascular collapse and carries up to a 37% mortality rate. It typically develops 48 hours after stopping alcohol and can last for up to 5 days. However, with proper medical detox, the risk of DT can be minimized, and any issues can be addressed quickly by healthcare providers.
Medications Used in Alcohol Detox
Medical detox is the safest way to stop drinking, and it’s often the first step in alcohol rehab. Common medications used to ease withdrawal symptoms include:
- Benzodiazepines – Reduce the risk of seizures and help with insomnia.
- Anticonvulsants – Manage severe withdrawal symptoms and lower seizure risk.
- Barbiturates – Address withdrawal symptoms.
- Disulfiram – Blocks alcohol metabolism in the body.
- Naltrexone – Reduces alcohol cravings.
- Acamprosate – Helps restore balance to the central nervous system.
These medications should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, typically in an inpatient setting, as misuse can lead to harmful effects. Your healthcare team will assess your needs and prescribe the right medication based on your drinking history and how you progress through detox.
Understanding the Alcohol Detox Timeline
Your detox experience will largely depend on the duration and intensity of your alcohol use. The severity of your tolerance and dependence will shape your timeline, but here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- 6 hours after your last drink: Mild withdrawal symptoms may begin, such as nausea, insomnia, sweating, anxiety, and strong alcohol cravings.
- 12 to 48 hours after your last drink: Symptoms will intensify. If you were a heavy drinker, this is when you may experience seizures or hallucinations. Medical intervention is crucial during this phase to manage symptoms and discomfort.
- 48 to 72 hours after your last drink: This is the critical window for DT. Although the risk of developing DT is around 5%, those who have been drinking heavily for a long time are at greater risk.
It’s important to remember that while withdrawal symptoms often peak around the 72-hour mark, the timeline can vary depending on how severe your alcohol use was.
It’s Never Too Late for Treatment
Choosing the right alcohol detox program can make all the difference in your recovery. A medically supervised detox sets the foundation for a successful journey to sobriety. Once you’ve made it through the withdrawal process and stabilized, you can transition to the next phase of treatment. Our admissions team is here to help you get started with the right programs to support long-term recovery.
About Rise Above Treatment
Rise Above Treatment is a Murrieta, California based addiction treatment center that is committed to helping people recover from drug, alcohol, and other mental health concerns that are holding them back. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, residential rehab, addiction PHP, sober living options, and intensive outpatient programs. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, visit us at riseabovetreatment.com or give us a call at (855) 948-6325 and begin your journey to recovery.
