How Does Alcohol Detoxification Work?
Detox, or detoxification, typically refers to the process of removing the toxins from the body. The first step in recovering from an alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse is to undergo detox. When an individual has habitually used alcohol, one’s body becomes accustomed to functioning with it present in his or her system. When the substance is abruptly removed, one’s body will react accordingly, and withdrawal symptoms with ensue. The duration and severity of the symptoms will depend on a variety of contributing factors. These can include: the personal health history of the individual, the average quantity of alcohol consumed each time, the potency of the alcohol, one’s alcohol tolerance level, the frequency of one’s alcohol consumption, and if the individual simultaneously used other drugs. There are several different ways an individual can undergo detox, but when a person has been abusing alcohol it is best go to undergo a medically supervised detox program. This will ensure the individual’s safety throughout the duration of the detox process.
DETOX WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE
Every individual is different and will experience somewhat unique withdrawal symptoms when it comes to alcohol detox. However, the National Library of Medicine provides a general timeline, which divides the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, respectively, into the following four stages:
Stage 1: 6-12 hours after one’s last drink
Depression
Mood swings
Insomnia
Excessive sweating
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Stomach pain
Shakes/tremors
Stage 2: 12-24 hours after one’s last drink
Hallucinations
Dehydration
Mental confusion
Irritability
Increase blood pressure
Irregular heart rate
Loss of appetite
Stage 3: 24-48 hours after one’s last drink
Low blood sugar
Intense mood swings
Grand mal seizures—about four percent of people withdrawing from alcohol can experience grand mal seizures.
Stage 4: 48 hours to seven days after one’s last drink
Depression
Restlessness
Confusion
General physical discomfort
Symptoms may begin to taper off
The withdrawal symptoms that accompany each stage of withdrawal from alcohol abuse will differ for each individual. The important aspect to remember is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. While enduring detox from alcohol abuse can be arduous, detox is imperative to go through in order to set oneself up for an effective continued recovery process.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.