Sometimes the road to alcoholism is not a clear carved out path. Sometimes it starts as a fun drink on the occasional special occasion. Several beers on celebratory nights can become daily drinks with friends. This leads to “night caps” before bed that go from one drink to losing count. Now this habit requires a shot in the morning to ward off a hangover. Before long, these practices become necessities to get through a day, and you find yourself in over your head with alcohol use.
Though not everyone’s path to alcohol use disorder (AUD) follows this trajectory, it does illustrate how easily we can go from mild drinking to abuse of the substance in a culture where alcohol is so ubiquitous. If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s alcohol use, you probably have many questions about alcohol addiction and withdrawal, including how to detox from alcohol. There are many treatment options available, but it is important to remember that detoxing from alcohol presents unique challenges that require special care.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Before exploring how to detox from alcohol, we should understand what AUD looks like. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, AUD is a medical condition characterized by the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. Symptoms of AUD include:
- Wanting to cut back on drinking but being unable to
- Wanting a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else
- Drinking or being sick from drinking interferes with home/family life, school, or work
- Giving up other enjoyable activities to drink
- Getting into situations after drinking that increase your chances of getting hurt, such as driving, walking in dangerous areas, unsafe sexual practices, etc.
- Having to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effect as before
These are just some of the symptoms you may experience if suffering from AUD. Consider taking an alcohol screening test to gain perspective on your own alcohol use.
Detox: The First Step in Recovery
If you or a loved one have determined to prioritize your health over alcohol abuse and are ready to start the journey towards recovery, the first step is detoxification, or detox. This is a relatively short time period during which the body works to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
The answer to the question “how long does it take to detox from alcohol” is actually relatively stable, though individual experiences may vary slightly. Harvard Health indicates that the most acute symptoms of withdrawal, or detox, usually improve within five days. When alcohol is abused, the brain adjusts itself to being constantly under the effects of a depressant. Take that depressant away, and the brain begins accelerating like “a vehicle that has lost its brakes.” This leads to a variety of symptoms.
But what are these symptoms? What can a person expect during this difficult period?
First Symptoms
Within 5 to 10 hours after taking the last drink, a person may begin to have tremors (shakes), high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, nightmares, and insomnia. These can last the duration of detox.
In severe cases, a person may even have seizures.
Hallucinations
Twelve to 24 hours after the last drink, a person may experience vivid hallucinations, often of many small moving things such as insects or birds.
Delirium Tremens
This most severe symptom usually starts 2-3 days after quitting drinking, but may take up to a week. Delirium tremens can be a life-threatening condition wherein breathing, circulation, and temperature can spiral out of control. The heart can race and blood pressure can rapidly increase. People can lose consciousness or become irrational, nervous, and angry.
As you can see, detox and withdrawal management for alcohol abuse can be complex. Some people wonder how to safely detox from alcohol at home, but because of the symptoms listed above–and the easier access to alcohol in the home environment–this is not advised.
Instead, you may wish to seek out medically supervised alcohol detox. There, under a medical professional’s around-the-clock care, you can be administered medicines that will mitigate the effects of alcohol detox, giving you the best start possible on your road to recovery.
Recovery after Detox
So you have determined how to detox from alcohol abuse. But what comes next? Some studies show that only 20 percent of people who detox from alcohol are able to stay sober without the help of formal treatment. It is vital to seek out a treatment plan that will help you meet your goals.
This may mean seeking support at a facility that practices trauma-informed care. This approach ensures that the detoxification process is not only medically safe but also sensitive to past experiences, providing a supportive and understanding environment to minimize the risk of re-traumatization and lay a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
Sana at Stowe in Vermont for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
If you are wondering how to detox from alcohol and how long to detox from alcohol, consider beginning your journey to health at Sana at Stowe, a luxury treatment center nestled in the beautiful surroundings of rural Vermont. Sana at Stowe offers medically-supervised detox and accepts insurance through in-network providers such as TRICARE.
Start with taking our AUD quiz to explore the effects of alcohol in your own life, and look into our individualized, holistic treatment for alcohol withdrawal, which includes everything from nutrition therapy to yoga to acupuncture. Try an alcohol rehab retreat, or commit to experience the compassionate care we offer in our residential treatment program.
Our trauma-informed care can have life altering benefits. Read the testimony of a former patient: “Sana has given me my life back. All of the therapy sessions, group sessions, yoga, wellness, acupuncture and food helped me in my recovery. I feel wonderful and strong–going home to be sober and happy.”
Reach out to us today to experience this freedom from addiction yourself. We are one phone call away at (802) 575-7819.
