It started with just a few drinks here and there to take the edge off. Over time, you’ve started drinking more and more alcohol. Today, you realize that you get withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink for a while, and now you’re scared. Specifically, how long does it take to detox from alcohol?
What’s Behind the Withdrawal Symptoms?
Alcohol is a depressant chemical. It affects your brain’s ability to release certain neurotransmitters. When its level goes down in your body, the latter responds with warnings in the form of withdrawal symptoms. The neurotransmitters the alcohol suppressed are now building up unchecked.
You suffer from mood swings. Some people report bodily aches that remind of flu-like symptoms. There are gastrointestinal upset and the danger of dehydration. Irritability gives way to an overwhelming desire for a drink.
How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol at a Treatment Center?
In fact, alcohol detox is something you should never face alone. Because the sudden glut of previously suppressed neurotransmitters floods your system, there’s a danger of seizure activity. Withdrawing safely at a detox center is a good option. There, medical professionals can provide pharmacological support if necessary.
However, how long does it take to detox from alcohol? Everyone’s withdrawal is different. Moreover, if you’re quitting early, it’s faster and more comfortable than if you wait a few years. Typically, you experience the onset of withdrawal symptoms about eight-to-ten hours after your last drink.
Acute alcohol withdrawal happens for the first three days. Furthermore, you deal with tremors, blood pressure spikes, and body temperature changes. You go from sweating to freezing. For example, if you experience delirium tremens (DTs), it’ll most likely happen around the 72-hour mark.
However, medical supervision protects you from physical and psychological harm. It ensures the process is as pain-free as possible. Because of the assistance you receive, you stand firm in your decision to quit using. A medical detox takes about seven-to-ten days.
What Happens after Withdrawal?
Your body no longer believes that it needs alcohol to survive. In fact, the symptoms have slowed down considerably. However, you still feel the occasional craving. That’s because you overcame the physiological aspect of alcohol addiction.
There’s still the psychological portion that you can overcome through rehab. There, you participate in addiction treatment programs such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Detox Programs
- Dual diagnosis Treatment
- Trauma Therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
Where to Get Help
Consider undergoing a safe detox at Silver Pines Treatment Center. Transition seamlessly into the rehab portion of treatment. Friendly addiction specialists collaborate with you to help you overcome an alcohol use disorder. Call 267.719.8689 today to schedule an intake interview.
