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5 Questions About Alcohol Detox Answered

It’s the first step for those ready to end problem drinking—cleansing the body of alcohol through detox. But what does detoxification really mean? Here’s a look at the process through five commonly asked alcohol detox questions.

Promises has alcohol detox programs that work. If you or a loved one is affected by addiction and need help, find a Promises alcohol detox center near you by calling 844.875.5609.

Why Enter Alcohol Detox?

It’s admirable to want to go it alone—just empty the liquor cabinet and change your life. But if your alcohol use has progressed to the level of physical dependence, ending it takes more than willpower and good intentions; it takes medical supervision. That’s because alcohol use, especially when it’s prolonged and heavy, changes the body and brain, and stopping suddenly can be both painful and dangerous, even deadly. Putting yourself under the care of medical professionals trained in detoxification means you have someone to monitor you physically and mentally as you go through withdrawal and to intervene when necessary. They’ll also be able to prescribe medication that will ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Just as important, they’ll act as your support team, encouraging your progress and making it much more likely you’ll continue on to treatment—and long-term addiction recovery.

What Kinds of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Are Possible?

This is one of the most common alcohol detox questions. What you will experience during detox depends, of course, on how severe your alcohol use is and also on your current mental and physical condition. Among the possible reactions are:

  • Anxiety
  • Shakiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Convulsions
  • Delirium tremens
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Cardiac arrest

It is a daunting list. But it’s important to keep in mind that the point of medical detox is to help you minimize these symptoms and to bypass the very real dangers that can come from suddenly stopping alcohol use.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?

There is no single number—it varies from person to person and with the severity of the drinking problem—but up to 10 days is average. Within the first few hours of the detox process, cravings, nausea, mood swings, and a rise in blood pressure and tremors are common. Within a couple of days, symptoms can sometimes grow to include seizures and hallucinations. For those with milder alcohol use issues, detox can sometimes end at this point. For most, however, the process continues for several more days, during which symptoms can increase, and the patient continues to be carefully monitored. Medications can help to minimize symptoms and discomfort, reduce anxiety, and ease the transition to becoming alcohol-free.

What Should I Look for in an Alcohol Detox Center?

A good detox program will include:

  • Well-trained and licensed medical personnel, including doctors and psychiatrists, as well as nursing staff to provide around-the-clock care
  • A physical and psychiatric examination that includes an in-depth assessment of your situation and a personalized treatment plan
  • Medical options that ease suffering and minimize dangerous symptoms
  • Psychological and emotional support to help you begin exploring the “why” behind your alcohol use

Help in transitioning you to treatment after detox, ideally within the same network. Many residential addiction treatment facilities provide detox and residential rehab at the same locations.

What Comes After Detox?

Detox helps the body get back into equilibrium but it doesn’t “fix” addiction. What it does do is provide a strong foundation on which you can do the work of understanding and overcoming the issues underlying your alcohol use, as well as learning how to deal with the cues that can trigger a relapse. Most people do such work at a residential addiction treatment facility that can offer such supports as group and individual counseling, medication to help keep cravings under control, and emotional support.

From there, it’s back into the community, where many find continued encouragement for continuing their sober life from mutual support organizations, outpatient treatment, therapists, counselors, and others. Withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, and cravings may continue to some degree for months, but medication can help, and each day that passes means your brain and body are closer to healing. The key thing to remember is that alcohol recovery is a long-term process. Detox is simply the first step in your journey to a better life.

Contact Promises Behavioral Health Today

At Promises Behavioral Health, we have the answers to any alcohol detox questions you may have. Our treatment centers provide a full range of alcohol addiction treatment. Furthermore, we offer a wide variety of therapy programs both in detox and throughout your addiction treatment. Your treatment may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Behavioral therapies like CBT help you to identify and change unhealthy ideas, attitudes, and behaviors. This is especially important during the early stages of recovery when individuals are learning to recognize the root causes of their addiction.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This type of therapy helps individuals to build self-awareness and learn more effective coping skills. Similar to CBT, DBT teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage addictive behaviors.
  • Yoga therapy – Research has shown that yoga therapy is an effective form of treatment for addiction. Yoga helps to reduce anxiety and stress by teaching individuals how to be mindful, improve their physical health, and engage in self-care practices.
  • Art therapy – Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This type of therapy can be helpful in helping individuals work through difficult emotions associated with addiction in a safe and supportive way.
  • Group therapy – Group therapy provides a safe and supportive setting for people in recovery to connect with one another. In group therapy, individuals are able to process their experiences, learn healthy coping skills, and gain support from their peers.

To learn more about your treatment option or for answers to your questions about alcohol detox, contact us at 844.875.5609

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