When done safely, detoxification helps you manage the effects of withdrawal and begin treatment for a problem. Switching to a different browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari can also be beneficial. The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free referral service that provides information about treatment facilities and programs in the United States. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English and Spanish.
Text messaging service 435748 (HELP4U) is currently only available in English. You do not need health insurance to receive this service. The referral service is free and can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or that accept Medicare or Medicaid. Alcohol and drug addiction affects the whole family, not just the individual.
Substance abuse treatment works by helping the individual to overcome their addiction and providing support for the family. Family interventions can be an effective first step in recovery, and there are resources available to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol detoxification (also known as detox) is the abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption in people who have alcohol dependence. This process is often accompanied by the substitution of drugs that have similar effects to the effects of alcohol to avoid alcohol withdrawal.
When withdrawal occurs, symptoms of varying severity occur. Minor withdrawal symptoms usually start about six hours after your last drink, while more severe symptoms can occur up to six hours after stopping drinking. The alcohol detoxification phase can involve withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, so it is always recommended to seek medical attention for an alcohol detox to mitigate these side effects. 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.
Alcohol detoxification in a treatment setting is often accompanied by medication, medical observation and counseling. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are most commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detoxification phase. The second, and longest, phase of alcohol detoxification occurs over months, as the brain begins to regulate itself slowly and returns to normal functioning.
