Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox is the first step towards continued sobriety. For many people it is the first time they have gone without a drink in a considerable amount of time. But alcohol detox is a difficult time in the life of the recovering alcoholic – albeit an incredibly important one in terms of the end-goal of sobriety.

HOW LONG DOES ALCOHOL DETOX TAKE?

The length of an alcohol detox program varies according to the individual and the severity of his or her condition. That being said, the average detox process takes between two to three weeks to complete.

WHERE DOES ALCOHOL DETOX TAKE PLACE?

Alcohol detoxification can take place in one of two locations – on site at the alcohol rehab facility, or offsite at a stand-alone detox center (or hospital). Most comprehensive alcohol treatment centers offer alcohol detox as part of their core program. In these cases, the individual begins detox as soon as they are done with the admissions process. However, some facilities are not equipped to handle alcohol detox on-site. In these cases, the alcohol rehab program will recommend a facility in the area. Once the individual has completed the detox process at this outside program, they will be free to enter the treatment facility.

WHAT ARE THE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL DETOX?

During the first few days of the detox process, the recovering alcoholic is likely to experience a number of different withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms occur as the individual’s system adjusts to the lack of alcohol being ingested.

And while these alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening in and of themselves, they can cause the individual to relapse – putting them back at “square one” in terms of their recovery.

Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the individual, but the most common of them include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Strong alcohol cravings
• Sweats and chills
• Hallucinations (known as the “DTs” and found in the most serious cases of alcoholism)
• Sleeplessness
• Headaches, stomach aches and nausea

WHY IS ALCOHOL DETOX SO IMPORTANT?

There are a number of reasons why alcohol detox is among the most important components of addiction recovery, including:

• It represents the defeat of the physical addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism is comprised of a psychological and a physical component. Once detox has been completed, the physical piece of the puzzle has been solved.
• It represents a significant achievement. Completing detox represents a number of positive things to the recovering alcoholic. It is the first time many alcoholic have gone an extended period without a drink in quite some time. It is also a difficult achievement that not every person gets through on their first or even second try. For both these reasons, getting through detox is a real confidence builder and should provide positive momentum moving into the rest of treatment.

We at Seasons Recovery Centers understand the importance of detox as part of the rehab process. Seasons works closely with every patient to make sure that they are comfortable and healthy during every stage of addiction treatment – from detox, right on through to aftercare. For more information about alcohol detox and alcohol rehab treatment, contact Seasons today.