How to Detox from Alcohol Safely

How to Detox from Alcohol Safely

• Mandy Sandhu
• 29 Apr 2024

With the internet having all kinds of information available, it’s so easy to search for how to detox from alcohol. But it’s important to understand that alcohol detoxing isn’t done easily—and shouldn’t be done at home. When seeking professional help for alcohol addiction treatment, one may wonder how long it takes to detox from alcohol.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that influence how long alcohol detox takes, its phases, and why it’s important to have it done by medical professionals who can provide the right support.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?

When ready to seek professional help for someone you love and their alcohol addiction, it’s natural to have questions. But one common question most ask is how long to detox from alcohol. It depends on various factors.

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Severity of Alcohol Dependence

For individuals who have been dealing with alcohol dependence for a very long time, the detoxification process may take longer and be more challenging. Someone with severe alcohol use disorder is more likely to experience severe symptoms, such as alcohol withdrawal seizures.

Overall Health

A person’s physical health, age, and other concurrent mental health disorders may also influence how long an individual can safely detox from alcohol abuse. Medical professionals will prioritize health and well-being rather than rush the process.

Detox Method 

Being supervised by medical professionals during the detoxification process can lead to a shorter and more manageable alcohol detox experience. For instance, an addiction treatment centre has experienced medical staff who know how to reduce withdrawal symptoms while ensuring a patient’s safety and comfort throughout the process.

Continuing Care and Support 

Detox is the first step to overcoming alcohol addiction. When you seek help for them from an alcohol addiction treatment centre, they can access counselling sessions and other therapies to support preventing relapse and overcoming the challenges of addiction.

Understanding the Three Phases of Alcohol Withdrawal

Every person’s experience with alcohol detox is different, but to give an idea of what to expect, here’s a rundown of what happens during each phase.

Early Withdrawal Phase 

In the early stages of alcohol withdrawals, patients may encounter a range of sensations, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Alcohol cravings
• Shaky hands or tremors
• Increase body temperature

Peak Withdrawal Phase 

As the detox process progresses, the most severe symptoms from alcohol detox can also manifest, which is delirium tremens. For this stage, symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate or palpitations
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Fever
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Aggression or agitation

Final Withdrawal Phase 

Although the final phase may last a couple more days, patients may start thinking more clearly. They’ll also notice fewer withdrawal symptoms and have fewer risks of any medical complications. 

During this detox period, expect:

• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Difficulty managing stress
• Alcohol cravings

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Why Safe Alcohol Detox Matters 

Alcohol detox is a process that eliminates alcohol from the body. It’s a critical step for individuals seeking to recover from alcohol addiction and dependency. However, to ensure a safe and effective detox process, medical professionals, such as detox experts, must be present. With them supervising the treatment, they’ll work through the following steps.

Health and Safety 

During the detoxification process, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction may experience mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As soon as the alcohol level in their blood drops, symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, or nausea, can manifest. 

Health and safety are two of the top reasons why having a supervised detoxification process is important—to ensure they can have the immediate help they need if anything goes wrong.

Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms 

Addiction treatment centres have extensive experience in handling detoxification processes. With professionals supporting someone you know dealing with alcohol addiction, expect them to help with any discomfort they might feel during detoxification. They may also prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making their alcohol detox process more manageable and less daunting.

Prevent Complications

Patients with a history of excessive and regular alcohol intake may be at risk of developing complications during detox, such as delirium tremens or electrolyte imbalances. With medical professionals on hand, the likelihood of your loved ones experiencing health issues is reduced. 

Have a Supportive Environment 

One of the most important things people with alcohol addiction need during their road to recovery is having a solid support system. In rehab facilities, not only do they get a supportive environment, but they’ll also be with people who have experienced what they’re going through. A safe and understanding community will give them the encouragement they need to keep moving forward.

Transition Safely to Treatment 

Alcohol detox is the beginning of a person’s journey to recovery from alcohol addiction. Once the detoxification process is complete, they may be transitioned to other treatment methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or wellness therapy, for long-lasting sobriety.

Reduce the Risk of Relapse 

An addiction treatment centre has detox experts and medical professionals who have a better understanding of the root cause of a patient’s alcohol addiction. Your loved ones will be better equipped with healthy coping skills to prevent relapse.

Provide a Personalized Treatment Plan

An addiction treatment centre, like Freedom From Addiction, offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your loved ones’ needs. This kind of approach allows detox experts to gain a better understanding of a person’s alcohol addiction and help determine how to keep them sober.

Seek Professional Help at an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centre

Take the steps needed to help anyone you care about recover from alcohol addiction. At Freedom From Addiction, we have a compassionate team of medical experts who can provide the support your loved ones deserve to maintain long-term sobriety.

Instead of searching for how to detox from alcohol online and risking relapse by attempting to do it at home, get in touch with us today!