Some people experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia and mood changes, that can drug addiction last for weeks or months. Millions of people join support groups to help stop drinking and stay stopped. Studies show support groups play an instrumental role in helping people develop healthy social networks that result in continued sobriety. Tap into your social network to help support you through alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol use disorder
Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time. By seeking detox treatment, you can get the care and support you need to withdraw from alcohol safely. Excess alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, cause dehydration, and lead to an inflammatory response in the body. As the alcohol wears off, these effects lead to common hangover symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Learn more about A.D.A.M.’s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. Blood and urine tests, including testing for toxins and drugs, may be done. Mild symptoms may appear similar to a hangover, but they last longer than 24 hours. Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of alcohol rehab.
- Older individuals or those with pre-existing health conditions may face more challenges during withdrawal.
- Alcohol can cause inflammation and damage to your liver when used heavily over prolonged periods.
- The time it takes withdrawal to start depends on factors like age, gender, genetics, overall health and alcohol use history.
- Intensive outpatient programs are one step down from the level of structure a PHP provides.
FAQs About Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis suddenly stops drinking alcohol. There are many resources available for anyone who is ready to stop drinking for good, or who wants to reduce the harm alcohol is causing in their life by cutting down. As you continue to commit to long-term recovery, support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or online support communities might be helpful. A healthcare provider may request daily visits during which they will likely run blood tests and monitor vital signs until symptoms stabilize.
Medical Intervention and Monitoring
- Anyone wishing to quit alcohol should speak with a doctor before attempting to detox.
- Ongoing treatment, such as counseling and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), helps address triggers and reinforce coping mechanisms.
- This makes people going through alcohol withdrawal feel excitable, irritated, shaky, and overstimulated.
- Understanding the precise timeline of alcohol detoxification helps you anticipate and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
- Here are the psychological aspects of detox and their impact on mental health.
- Some substances are physically addictive, which means that our bodies come to depend on them.
This is so your doctor can monitor your condition and manage any complications. You may need to get fluids intravenously, or through your veins, to prevent dehydration and Alcohol Detox: The First Step to Recovery medications to help ease your symptoms. Some people can be treated at home, but others may need supervised care in a hospital setting to avoid potentially dangerous complications such as seizures. If you drink daily, your body becomes dependent on alcohol over time. When this happens, your central nervous system can no longer adapt easily to the lack of alcohol. If you suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it can cause AWS.
Daily Medical Consultations
Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can complicate the withdrawal process. These co-occurring disorders may intensify withdrawal symptoms and require specialized treatment to address both the alcohol dependence and the underlying mental health issues. Delirium tremens is a medical condition that can occur in individuals with the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)—also called protracted withdrawal—can make it challenging to resist relapse. Knowing that it’s possible and looking out for alcohol withdrawal symptoms can help you be aware that cravings can return long after detox. After the acute alcohol withdrawal period, some people experience symptoms that last up to a year.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Alcohol Detox Treatment
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can occur after a person suddenly stops drinking or suddenly strongly reduces drinking after prolonged and heavy exposure to alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are caused by stopping or strongly reducing alcohol consumption in a person living with a chronic alcohol use disorder. The latter is known to be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors. People who experience alcohol withdrawal often live with a chronic alcohol use disorder, which is sometimes referred to as alcohol abuse or dependency. Within the first eight hours, you can expect to experience the initial stage of detox and withdrawal from alcohol with mild withdrawal symptoms. The initial detox stage of alcohol withdrawal usually takes about one week.
Extended treatment periods of 3 to 6 months demonstrate significantly improved recovery outcomes and stability. Successful recovery from alcohol dependence relies heavily on implementing thorough support systems and evidence-based strategies. Allow your body the time it needs to recover by getting plenty of sleep and avoiding strenuous activities. Create a calm and comfortable environment that promotes relaxation, such as dimming the lights, using soft bedding, and maintaining a cool room temperature. If approved by drug addiction a healthcare professional for at-home detoxification, you can anticipate experiencing mild symptoms of withdrawal as listed above.
Rest, hydration, and gentle physical activity can alleviate muscle pain and fatigue, making detox more manageable. Recognizing these symptoms as part of the healing process can provide reassurance and motivation. Though uncomfortable, these digestive changes are a normal part of detoxification.
However, it’s likely recommended that you access a professional detox program where medical professionals can monitor your symptoms carefully. The third stage of detox, known as protracted abstinence, presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for healing. It’s crucial to understand that the brain takes time to heal from all the drinking you did. This recalibration process is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) https://ecosober.com/ and typically takes anywhere from six months to two years. This extended recovery period underscores the importance of ongoing support and treatment beyond the initial detox phase.