Alcoholism is a severe medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Those who suffer from this addiction require professional help to overcome the physical and mental challenges of alcohol withdrawal.

One of the most challenging phases of alcoholism treatment is the detoxification process. This process involves eliminating alcohol from the body and dealing with the physical and psychological symptoms that arise during this time.

Alcohol detox symptoms can be severe and dangerous and require medical supervision to ensure a safe recovery. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, and death.

At AspenRidge, we understand the severity of alcohol detox symptoms and have a team of trained professionals to help patients through this challenging period. Our team provides individualized care and support, and we utilize the latest evidence-based treatment methods to ensure a safe and effective detoxification process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help is the first step to recovery. AspenRidge is committed to providing compassionate care to help individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.

Alcohol detox is the first stage or step to take when treating alcoholism. It is the flushing out of the substance from the body system. Individuals who have been drinking excessively over the years tend to develop a dependence on the substance. The brain of an individual with alcoholism tends to stop producing certain chemicals it receives from alcohol.

These individuals’ bodies rely on the substance to produce those chemicals. Hence, when detoxing from alcohol, it takes a while for the body to adjust. These individuals will also experience withdrawal binge drinking symptoms like headaches and irregular heartbeat.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is the compulsive drinking of alcohol. Here, the individual loses control over the intake of alcohol and exhibits some negative emotions without the intake. It is the impaired ability of the individual to control their alcohol abuse despite its adverse effects on their quality of life.

Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence occurs when the individual is unable to survive without drinking. These individuals see drinking as an essential factor in their life. When individuals become dependent on alcohol, they consume more to get the same effect. Alcohol dependence causes severe withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops drinking.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome refers to the symptoms that occur in an individual when there is an abrupt stop in the intake of alcohol. Although alcohol intake can cause health conditions like liver cirrhosis, withdrawal can also be severe. It often occurs when the individual significantly reduces their alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is the combination of some symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness, mild anxiety, and nausea. Its symptoms can also be life-threatening.

The following are some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome:

• Nightmares
• Tremors
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Confusion

Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol rehab is the treatment process that helps an individual to overcome alcohol use disorder. Some addiction rehab centers provide support and tools for a smooth alcohol poisoning recovery. At the rehab, the individuals will participate in treatment plans that will enable them to achieve a high level of wellness and stop binge drinking behavior. ‘

During the rehab program, the individual will experience some withdrawal symptoms different from the alcohol poisoning symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening hence the need for medical professionals. The rehab also provides a safe and secure environment where individuals can begin their recovery journey.

There are also individualized treatment programs or plans available at alcohol rehabs. The treatment plans include medical, social, and psychological interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. At the rehab, the individual will develop coping skills to help deal with stress and triggers. Some of the programs at alcohol rehab centers are:

• Inpatient Program
• Outpatient Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program

How Long Do Alcohol Detox Symptoms Last?

When you decide to stop heavy alcohol consumption or flush out alcohol, you will experience some withdrawal symptoms. The detox timeline depends on some factors, such as how long you’ve been drinking and how much you drink. Most individuals stop experiencing withdrawal symptoms five days after their last drink.

Here is a breakdown of how long the symptoms last:

• The initial symptoms of the detox process are mild during the first six to twelve hours. Some withdrawal symptoms here are anxiety, headaches, irritability, and shaking.
• At the end of the first day, the symptoms will increase alongside the effects from the first 12 hours. Some additional symptoms at this stage are seizures, disorientation, and hand tremors.
• The painful symptoms will continue into the second day. These symptoms include panic attacks, hallucinations or delusions.
• The withdrawal symptoms during the rest of the first week may come and go. However, it is a period when you are most at risk for some life-threatening symptoms.
• After completing your first week of detox, most of the withdrawal symptoms will begin to wear off. Although some minor symptoms may persist, they can be treated with medication.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Alcohol Detox?

Some of the common symptoms of alcohol detox are:

• Weakness
• Poor appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Irritability or mood swings
• Poor coordination
• Rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
• Death
• Delirium tremens (DTs)

How Can I Manage Alcohol Detox Symptoms?

The following are some of the strategies or ways to manage your alcohol detox symptoms:

• Healthy Diet: Have a healthy diet and take nutritious meals to help keep a balanced glucose level.
• Find Ways to Stay Occupied: Get a hobby and find ways to stay distracted. This will help take your mind off the withdrawal symptoms. It can also help to distract you from any alcohol cravings.
• Staying Hydrated: During withdrawal, you need to stay hydrated, particularly if you are vomiting. Drinking water will help you deal with nausea and keep you hydrated.

What Are the Physical Effects of Alcohol Detox?

Some physical effects of alcohol detox are:

• Seizures
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Fever

Can Alcohol Detox Cause Seizures?

Yes! Individuals going through an alcohol detox process can experience seizures. The most severe type of seizure that occurs is often called a tonic-clonic seizure. Tonic-Clonic seizures are also known as convulsions.

FAQ – Alcohol Detox Symptoms

What Medications Can Help with Alcohol Detox?

Some medications that can help with alcohol detox are:

• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram

What are Delirium Tremens, and How Is It Treated During Alcohol Detox?

Delirium Tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal commonly found in individuals dependent on alcohol. It can be life-threatening and of higher risk in individuals with seizures. Delirium Tremens typically occur within three to five days after the individual’s last drink. Some of the symptoms of delirium tremens are:

• Heavy sweating
• Uncontrollable shakes or tremors
• Elevated blood pressure

What Are the Common Symptoms of Alcohol Detox?

The following are some of the common symptoms of alcohol detox:

• Irritability
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety or agitation
• Vomiting
• Sweating or clammy skin

Is It Dangerous To Detox from Alcohol at Home?

Detoxing from alcohol at home is dangerous and can lead to severe complications. Although it might seem appealing to just detox at home, it is not advisable without the help of a medical professional. Having supervised detoxification will help to reduce the effects of any withdrawal symptoms and complications.

Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at AspenRidge

Alcohol detox is a process that helps to rid the body of alcohol to give the individual an improved quality of life. Heavy drinking can increase an individual’s health risks because it disrupts the body’s normal functioning.

Alcoholism causes the individual to experience life-threatening effects, such as high blood pressure. When detoxing, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms hence the need for a professional. Contact AspenRidge today for effective treatment and care for a smooth recovery journey.

The Joint Commission also certifies our center and our licensed counselors are trained in substance misuse and addiction. We offer the following programs:

• Day Program Day Program
• Day 5-Day IOP
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Program

We can help guide you through the different stages of alcohol rehab and the next steps. It’s also critical to understand that treatment is different for everyone; therefore, a tailored treatment approach is important. Contact us today for more information about Colorado alcohol rehabilitation at 855-281-5588.