How to Find an Alcohol Detox

Having an occasional alcoholic beverage is okay here and there, but some people start to indulge in heavy or binge drinking, which is a problem that can be difficult to overcome.

When a person decides to stop drinking regularly and heavily, the process is not easy. This is particularly true because the effects of alcohol withdrawal can rear their ugly heads. Alcohol detox takes time, but how long does it really take?

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol is addictive. It causes significant changes in the human brain and body, making it a highly addictive substance. Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances in America, consuming the lives of 17.6 million people in the U.S., according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

When a person drinks alcohol, certain chemicals are released in the brain, including endorphins and dopamine, that produce pleasurable feelings and natural painkilling capabilities. These pleasurable sensations often draw people to begin drinking in the first place and may make people crave the substance, wanting to continue drinking. When a person feels the need to consume a substance, this is called alcohol dependency.
People who frequently consume excessive amounts of alcohol or binge drink are at risk of developing alcohol use disorder, a medical condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite adverse consequences in life.

Long-term, heavy alcohol drinking can contribute to alterations in neurons in the brain, including reductions in their size, permanently damaging brain functions and processes.

Can Alcohol Cause Withdrawal?

A person who is dependent on or addicted to alcohol may experience alcohol withdrawal when attempting to stop drinking. Symptoms may be uncomfortable, painful, or even dangerous.

The first alcohol withdrawal symptoms that usually present are cravings within hours of taking a final drink. Other symptoms that may present include:
Anxiety and restlessness.
Nausea and vomiting.
Depression.
Insomnia.
Tremors.
Hallucinations.
Seizure.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

There is not an exact timeline for the symptoms and length as it depends on various factors, including the duration of heavy drinking behavior, the average amount of drinking, any simultaneous mental or physical health issues, etc. However, here is a general timeline to be expected for the effects of alcohol withdrawal to impact a person:
6-12 hours after the last drink: The first withdrawal symptoms appear, which may be mild, including mild anxiety, headache, small tremors, insomnia, and stomach problems.

• 12-24 hours after: Some people experience hallucinations, which may be visual, auditory or tactile.
• 24-72 hours after: Some symptoms may peak and begin to level off, while other individuals may experience symptoms that last for weeks or longer.24-28 hours: The risk of seizure may be highest during this time, which is why close monitoring is important, as well as the use of seizure medications.
• 48-72 hours: Delirium tremens, one of the most concerning effects of alcohol withdrawal, may appear during this time (although it does not happen with every heavy alcohol user), which can lead to life-threatening complications, including seizures, irregular heartbeat, sepsis, electrolyte imbalance, trouble breathing, and even death.

During the most sensitive stages of the effects of alcohol withdrawal, which develop within the first two days of detox, life-threatening symptoms can present if the brain cannot compensate for the lack of chemical signals that have been previously and regularly entered into the brain. The body may be unable to enter into its normal physical state of rest after excitement or stress and may be unable to control its blood pressure, heart rate, or activity within the nervous system.

How to Find Alcohol Detox Near Me

Because alcohol withdrawal is associated with such great risk, medical alcohol detox is important. Not only does it increase the chances of the success of treatment, but it also can help to manage the effects of alcohol withdrawal and its symptoms more effectively. Achieving sobriety with medical help gives the body’s central nervous system a chance to heal, often reversing many of the damages caused by alcohol use with necessary therapies.

If you are concerned about potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms, contact Sober Mind Recovery. We are here to help those suffering from alcoholism, providing hope for lasting recovery. Finding the best addiction treatment center in Southern California can be challenging, but Sober Mind is here to help. The rewards of detoxing with help are always worth the efforts.