If you make the decision to stop drinking daily and excessively, you are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. How long it takes to detox depends on a few factors, including how much you drink, how long you've been drinking, and whether you've had a detox before. When you drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis, your brain chemistry adjusts over time to counteract its sedative effects. When you stop drinking, your brain may be overstimulated and you may have physical and mental health symptoms.
Alcohol and drug addiction can have a devastating effect on the entire family. Substance abuse treatment works by helping individuals overcome their addiction and providing support for their loved ones. Family interventions can be an important first step in the recovery process, and there are resources available to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. It is important to understand that alcohol withdrawal is as dangerous as alcoholism itself.
Abstinence can be life-threatening for many alcoholics, and the immediate risks often outweigh the benefits. Some people experience a severe form of alcohol withdrawal known as delirium tremens (DT) or alcohol withdrawal delirium. The duration of alcohol abstinence will vary from person to person, depending on the intensity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Due to the severity of some withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended that alcohol detoxification be monitored by a medical professional in a supervised medical facility.
Treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms is best handled by medical professionals in a detox program, rehabilitation center, or similar inpatient setting. It is important to talk to your doctor before attempting detoxification without constant attention. Different medications may be used to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process. Alcohol detoxification is the first step in treating alcoholism and should not be attempted without professional supervision.
It is important to seek professional treatment after detoxification in order to ensure long-term recovery from addiction.
