If you have decided to stop drinking alcohol, you may be wondering how long it takes to detox from alcohol. The detoxification process is different for each person, but there are some general guidelines that can help you understand what to expect. The amount of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on how much you drink, how long you have been drinking, and whether you have had a detox before. The symptoms of alcohol detoxification can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.
Some people may experience more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations or seizures. While the severity of the symptoms varies from person to person, alcohol withdrawal symptoms often include rapid heartbeats, heavy sweating, and irritability. These symptoms can begin two to six hours after the last drink and usually peak one to three days later in people with mild symptoms. Severe alcohol withdrawal can last for weeks. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detoxification phase.
After completing the detox, people with alcohol addiction enter a residential or outpatient treatment program, where they can work to change their feelings about alcohol and learn ways to control their cravings. Due to the severity of some withdrawal symptoms, alcohol detoxification should be monitored by a medical professional. While doctor-supervised detoxification can be helpful for any type of drug withdrawal, these programs are especially vital for those who abstain from alcohol. People may experience alcohol detoxification differently, but there is a general timeline that follows withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that medical detoxification alone is not enough to help people recover fully from alcohol addiction. When treating alcohol detoxification in an inpatient rehabilitation center, different medications may be used to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
These medications can help reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and make the process more bearable. It is important to remember that attempting detoxification without constant attention is not recommended. Detoxification has uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms and people often benefit from the additional supportive therapies offered in detoxification programs. If you are considering stopping drinking, it is important to seek professional help and support throughout the process.
