The first step in any project is often the hardest, especially if you haven’t done it before. When starting a new project, we often ask ourselves, “What tools will I need?” Once we have the tools, we question ourselves again with, “Do I have the skills to use them?” And of course we always want to know how long it will take.
For many people, taking the first step in the alcohol detox process can feel overwhelming and intimidating. It’s not unlike starting a new project you’ve never done before or going on a road trip to a new destination. The number of variables at play can make it hard to predict how it will go or how long it will take.
This blog article will explain what alcohol detox is, why it’s necessary, how long alcohol detox takes, and how to do it safely.
What Is Alcohol Detox and Why Is it Necessary?
This study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that while several definitions for detoxification exist, a simple working definition is that “Detoxification is a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.” Other definitions suggest it involves the act of “weaning” and “tapering” from alcohol use. “Weaning” means freeing someone from a substance or helping them get used to life without it. The reason a person should be “tapered” off of alcohol instead of stopping immediately is for health safety. A person who has an alcohol dependency will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Typically, the stronger the dependence, the worse the withdrawal symptoms can be.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, tremors or shakiness, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. In severe cases, a person might experience hallucinations, seizures, or even Delirium Tremens, which can be life-threatening. For all of these reasons, alcohol detox that is medically supervised is necessary for better outcomes.
Stages of Alcohol Detox
One way to look at the length of alcohol detox is across three stages. Stage 1 is the 6 to 12 hours following a person’s last drink. Symptoms during this stage are relatively mild but may include headaches, insomnia, slight tremors, and anxiety.
Stage 2 symptoms appear 1 to 3 days after a person’s last drink and are more severe. Symptoms may include high blood pressure, fever, sweating, and confusion. In the most severe cases, the risk of Delirium Tremens exists, which could bring symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, aggression, confusion, and more.
During Stage 3, symptoms begin to subside, usually between 4 and 7 days after a person’s last drink of alcohol. The most severe symptoms have started to fade, but anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms may remain.
As you can see, the how long alcohol detox takes can vary significantly. If someone has told you they detoxed in 3 days, it is possible. If you’ve heard stories of it taking 10 to 14 days, that is also possible, though 3 to 7 days is most common. Several factors contribute to how long alcohol detox takes, including the severity of alcohol use; a person’s overall health, weight, and metabolism; previous detox attempts (more tries could lead to increased withdrawal severity); and other mental health disorders or chronic illnesses (often called co-occurring conditions).
How to Detox Safely
There are several things you can do to help yourself or a loved one detox from alcohol more safely. A support system of friends, family, or a recovery support group can help. Nutrition and hydration help the detox process happen more quickly. For people with moderate to severe withdrawal risk, an approach that includes medical oversight is recommended. Having medical professionals experienced in the detox process who can prescribe any necessary medications will ease withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol and Drug Detox in San Diego
No matter where you live, if you are preparing for alcohol detox, we hope you will consider a medical detox center near you. Recovery begins with detox, and having a detox program’s support, safety, and expertise can set you up for success. Our approach at Infinity Recovery is personalized to each individual. We prioritize emotional and mental health in preparation for long-term success. If you have been considering detox programs, we hope you will contact us to discuss how it could work for you.
