Timeline for Alcohol Detox
Though alcohol is legal for consumption by individuals over the age of twenty-one in America, it is also considered a powerful substance, and when abused can yield severe effects. When an individual habitually abuses alcohol his or her body will become accustomed to functioning with alcohol present in his or her system and will likely develop alcohol use disorder. If alcohol is absent from his or her system, the body will react accordingly and withdrawal symptoms will ensue. There are a variety of contributing factors that can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms, the duration of withdrawal symptoms experienced, as well as which withdrawal symptoms manifest.
3 PHASES OF ALCOHOL DETOX
After habitual alcohol abuse, an individual that wants to stop drinking alcohol must go through detox. Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all abused substances. Although every individual is different and will go through the detox process at a somewhat varied pace, below is a broad timeline that divides the detox withdrawal process into three phases, as provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
1. 6–12 hours after one’s last drink: this is known as the first and least severe phase of the withdrawal process. Common symptoms can include any combination of the following: depression, anxiety, anger, fatigue, mood swings, heart palpitations, tremors, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, etc.
2. 12–36 hours after one’s last drink: this is the second stage of the withdrawal process, and when the withdrawal symptoms can become more serious. Commonly reported symptoms can include any combination of the following examples: high blood pressure, fever, confusion, sweating, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, depression, restlessness, etc.
3. 36 hours – up to three weeks after one’s last drink: this is the final and most dangerous stage of the withdrawal process. Common withdrawal symptoms that can manifest during this stage can include any combination of the following: high fever, hallucinations, seizures, low blood sugar levels, delirium tremens, extreme irritability, etc.
After an individual completes detox, attending a formalized substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program is recommended. Though cleansing one’s body is an essential step in one’s recovery process from alcohol abuse, it is merely one of many steps. In order to ensure one’s continue sobriety, further treatment and support is essential.
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.