Alcohol Detox and Rehab

Alcohol is responsible for some of the most pervasive addictions in the U.S. Alcohol use disorder has increased in years, affecting approximately one out of every eight Americans. Unlike many other substances, alcohol is legal and socially accepted, even though it is also one of the most harmful drugs one can become dependent on.

Overcoming an addiction to alcohol is essential to live a longer, better life, but the first step can seem like a big one. Without the proper help, alcohol detox is an incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes deadly endeavor. Alcohol detox facilities make the process manageable and help put people on a successful path.

What is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol Detox (or Detoxification) is the first step in treating alcoholism. The process of detox helps a patient eliminate their alcohol intake in a gradual way, while monitoring and managing the physical and mental effects of withdrawal.

The detox process varies from person to person, depending on the intensity of their withdrawal symptoms, the types of symptoms, as well as their reception to medications.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Because the use of alcohol changes the way the brain and the nervous systems function, suddenly stopping or slowing down on alcohol intake can have an adverse effect. Alcohol acts as a relaxant and a depressant, which slows down the functioning of the brain, and changes the way the functioning of the nervous system. Long term consumption of alcohol can completely stop the brain from producing the chemicals that alcohol provides, leading to a dependency on alcohol.

Suddenly quitting drinking can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, that can vary from mild to serious to fatal.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Intense Anxiety
Irritability and Emotional Instability
Headaches and Dizziness
Cravings and/or Nausea
Tremors, Shaky Hands
Convulsions and Seizures
Losing Consciousness
Hallucinations and Delirium (DT)

How Long is the Detox Process?

The duration of detoxing varies from person to person, depending on several factors such as the length of time alcohol was used, what kind of alcohol was used, and the frequency of usage. In general, detoxing can range from a few days to a few weeks based on the level of dependency.

When a long term alcohol user has his or her last drink, withdrawal symptoms can begin to show within a few hours of the last drink. The severity of symptoms can intensify during the next 24 to 48 hours.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

Each alcohol user’s withdrawal symptoms and stages vary, however, there are some general patterns that most users go through.

6 to 12 Hours

The first stage may begin within hours of the last drink. This stage may involve symptoms like shaky hands, anxiety, restlessness, and nausea.

24 to 48 Hours

The second stage of withdrawal may happen between 24 to 48 hours. This may include higher levels of anxiety, hypertension, hyperactivity, and high blood pressure. The person may experience insomnia, vomiting, and loss of hunger.

2 to 3 Days

Alcohol users who experience epilepsy may be at a higher risk of seizures. Others may experience hallucinations and panic attacks.

3 to 5 Days

Stage 4 may involve an increase in hallucination and general confusion. It could also bring on an onset of delirium. This stage is highly risky and needs to be monitored intensely.

is Alcohol Detox Necessary?

Alcohol claims tens of thousands of lives each year and shortens countless others. Alcohol use disorder can lead to:

Mental health issues,
Liver disease,
Heart disease,
Digestive problems, and
A weakened immune system.

Alcohol use disorder deeply affects a person’s quality of life. It traps people into lives of despair and creates obstacles that prevent meaningful relationships and fulfilling lives. If you’ve decided to live alcohol-free, then you should know that a better life is within your reach.

What to Expect in a Detox Treatment

Many alcohol users are apprehensive about quitting to drink because of the fear of withdrawal symptoms. However, undergoing a detox treatment in a residential facility that offers 24/7 monitoring and medical care ensures prevention of serious and potentially dangerous problems.

Here’s what to look for in a Residential Detox Program:

Patient Intake Process that includes history of dependency on alcohol, any existing medical conditions, and readiness level for the program.
Round the Clock Monitoring during the initial stages of detox and withdrawal, so that inpatients can receive medical care immediately as needed.
Healthcare Professionals such as therapists and case managers who provide supervision and support during the detox process.
Prescription Medications may not always be necessary, but having medical staff onsite can allow medications to ease discomfort and prevent serious side effects.
Healthy Nutrition and Supplements Many residential programs offer a healthy regimen of diet for the duration of the detox process, however if lack of appetite and losing weight occurs in a patient, vitamins and supplements may be provided.
Support Network during and after detox is necessary to help patients become more confident and self-reliant as they graduate out of the detox program.

Can i Detox at Home?

Detoxing at home may be appropriate for patients who are not chronic abusers of alcohol, and for those who only experience milder symptoms of withdrawal. Quitting cold turkey may cause severe side effects, so detoxing at home should be done in a more gradual way to avoid fatal consequences.

If a patient experiences any of the withdrawal symptoms or health issues described above, please seek medical help immediately. Also consider switching to a medically supervised detox.

Reach out to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous to provide a support network while you plan and implement your detox, as well as to help maintain sobriety afterwards.

Pacific Shores Recovery Alcohol Detox

At Pacific Shores Recovery, we have physicians, counselors and a detox staff that oversee our clients throughout every step of the process. Everyone’s detox process will be different, which is why we assess your specific needs to determine the best plan for you.

When you arrive at our facility, we’ll perform a medical evaluation, define a detox plan and monitor you throughout each stage of the process. Our priority is to create a safe, healing environment where you are as comfortable as possible.

A better life is on the other side of detox, and we want to help you reach it. Call Pacific Shores Recovery at 949.239.7040 to learn more about our inpatient alcohol detoxification program.