Detoxing from alcohol involves eliminating substance abuse from the body and managing possible withdrawal symptoms that occur. However, the time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on the severity of the addiction and how long you have been drinking. The alcohol detoxing process may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to several months.

What Happens During Detox?

Consuming alcohol for an extended period creates a chemical dependency. When the substance in question is removed from the system, the brain’s neurotransmitters go into shock because the substance abused has suppressed the brain’s neurotransmitters and caused detrimental neuroadaptation. When you decide to stop, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. You may also suffer from health problems or mental health issues.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox

Everyone who undergoes withdrawal symptoms will have a different experience. But the most common symptoms of withdrawal are anxiety, irritability, depression, fatigue, sweating, mood swings, elevated heart rate, nausea, vomiting, irritability, tremors, seizures, dehydration, and delirium tremens (DT).

How Long Does The Detoxing Process Take?

“How long will withdrawal symptoms last?” is one major question people experiencing withdrawal symptoms ask. While the time required to detox from substance abuse varies from person to person, detox programs generally take days. Withdrawal side effects often peak between 24 to 72 hours, with symptoms showing up after 5 to 7 days for individuals with moderate to mild addiction. Those with a more severe addiction will notice much more serious side effects such as DT and a much longer detox process.

 What Happens After A Detox Program Is Over?

Once detox has been completed, you should begin some form of inpatient and/or outpatient treatment. This will give you space to control your desire to drink and will give you the means to work on altering your perception of alcohol. Some facilities offer alcohol addiction counseling which is an effective means of identifying the various problems that led to alcoholism. These sessions can occur in a group setting or one-on-one.

Many facilities also provide cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to alcohol addiction counseling to detect the factors that are causing excessive drinking and address them. Typical factors include feelings and thoughts, which can be managed by identifying triggers as well as learning how to cope with stress.

 Seeking Proper Help on the Path to Recovery

It’s essential to seek proper medical help if you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol withdrawal. Getting help ensures that you or your loved ones have the right tools and opportunities to heal any underlying issues. Detoxing in a medical environment ensures that complications can be met and reduced before they become life threatening.

However, it is essential to be aware that most addiction treatment centers require regular appointments, so plan accordingly. If you are worried about potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms, contact Cynergi Health Partners. Our specialists can evaluate your overall health and alcohol abuse history to help you determine which treatments you will need.