Alcohol Detox
After years of heavy drinking, your body has developed a dependence on alcohol. Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating feelings of pleasure. As a person drinks more and more, the brain gets used to alcohol and eventually needs more alcohol to achieve the same effect. Additionally, alcohol reduces the activity centers in your brain connected to negative emotions, such as stress and pain. Abruptly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms. As alcohol leaves your system, you may experience symptoms like vomiting, shakiness, and sweating. Your heart might race, and you could face hallucinations. During this critical time, it’s essential to be in a supportive and safe environment with a dedicated team to guide you through the process.
At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our commitment is to provide you with compassionate and effective care to support you through detox and beyond.
Understanding the Alcohol Detox Process
Alcohol detoxification is the process of clearing alcohol from the body while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. While not everyone with alcohol use disorder will need detox, for those who do, it’s the first step in the healing process.
The goal of medically supervised alcohol detox is to protect you and manage your symptoms as your body adjusts. Whether you need medically supervised detox or not, there are a few things you can do to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Your comfort is important during detox. The treatment facility you choose should have a bed for you to relax in while your body moves through withdrawal.
Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods also enhances your comfort during detox. Fruits and vegetables are both hydrating and nutritious and are a good option. It’s also important to have a support system, such as friends and family, along with your doctors, to help you out.
How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?
How long you need to detox from alcohol depends on how frequently you drank and how much you drank. The more alcohol, usually the longer the detox process takes. Often, people with alcohol withdrawal will begin to experience symptoms within six to 12 hours of their last drink. Symptoms often start out mild and may include feelings of nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
After about a day, symptoms may peak, and can develop into “delirium tremens.” Signs of delirium tremens often include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and severe tremors. Delirium tremens can be life-threatening, so medical supervision at this point in the process is a must.
What is the alcohol detoxification timeline?
While the process differs from patient to patient, the typical timeline for alcohol detox is:
- 6-12 hours after last drink: Initial, mild symptoms begin.
- 1 to 3 days after last drink: Symptoms multiply and become worse. They may peak after about 48 hours.
- A week after last drink: With treatment, most acute symptoms subside.
Beyond one week after last drink: Detox is completed and you can begin other steps in the recovery process.
Our Comprehensive Care Approach
Detoxing from alcohol is just the beginning. Once you or your loved one has completed detox, treatment may continue for months or even years, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Effective alcohol detox goes beyond physical symptoms. Our holistic approach integrates care for your body, mind, and spirit, and provides a solid foundation for lasting recovery. We have a team of medical professionals, licensed therapists, and yoga instructors who collaborate with you on your detox journey.
We work with you to develop a personalized plan, which incorporates evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing, as well as family therapy, art, music, or nature therapy and life skills therapy.
Remember, detox is just the first step. Once your withdrawal symptoms are under control, you can begin the next phase of treatment.
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Why Choose BHOPB for Alcohol Detox?
Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches is committed to treatment excellence and patient-centered care. When you invite us to help you on your recovery journey, you’ll benefit from the following:
- Expertise: We’ve been around since 1997 and have grown from a 12-bed facility to a leading behavioral health care organization in South Florida, with more than 200 beds. In 2018, we joined the Banyan Treatment Center family, making us part of an industry leader in individualized drug and alcohol addiction and mental health treatment services.
- Comprehensive care: You are more than your addiction. Recognizing that, we take a holistic approach that addresses physical, mental, and emotional aspects of recovery.
- Personalized treatment: We know that treatment isn’t one-size-fits all. We give each patient a tailored detox plan based on their unique needs and medical history.
- Continuity of care: We provide seamless transitions to ongoing treatment programs, supporting long-term recovery.
- Evidence-based practices: We ground our treatment protocols in the latest research and proven methodologies.
- 24/7 medical supervision during detox: Detox can’t be do-it-yourself. To keep you safe, we monitor you throughout the detox process.
Not every person with alcohol use disorder needs medically supervised detox. But some do, and for those people, medical supervision is critical for their safety. The most severe withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening, such as seizures. Medications can sedate the patient, protecting them from the most dangerous effects.
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly used medications during alcohol detox. Examples include diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and lorazepam, which are also among the most well-studied.
After detox, healing can begin. You may move into alcohol residential treatment or begin treatment as an outpatient. Therapy and medication can help you learn to manage cravings and develop coping skills for a life free from alcohol.
Detoxing from alcohol without medical help can be dangerous. We don’t recommend it. The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, such as delirium tremens and seizures, are life-threatening.
If you have a history of heavy or long-term drinking, get professional help before you have your last drink. Professional medical supervision during detox ensures your safety, manages withdrawal symptoms effectively, and provides immediate intervention if complications arise.
Take the First Step Towards Alcohol Detox
Your journey to recovery begins with a single decision: Detoxing from alcohol. Don’t let another day pass in the grip of alcohol addiction. Your future self will thank you for the choice you make today. Your new life is waiting. Reach out now and take that crucial first step towards lasting recovery.
If you’re battling alcoholism or have any questions about our BHOPB detox program for alcohol, please contact us today.
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