Alcohol Detoxification: How Long Does it Take and What to Expect?

Alcohol detoxification is an important step in treating alcoholism. Learn more about how long it takes to detox from alcohol, signs of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and how to treat these symptoms.

Alcohol Detoxification: How Long Does it Take and What to Expect?

Alcohol is a toxin that needs to be eliminated from the body in order for us to function normally. The process of alcohol detoxification is the first step in treating alcoholism and involves the body getting rid of alcohol. The length of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on a few factors, including how much you drink, how long you've been drinking, and whether you've had a detox before. Minor withdrawal symptoms usually start about six hours after your last drink, and the alcohol detoxification stage can last even longer and continue for a few weeks after withdrawal ends.

Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can help reduce many of the uncomfortable effects associated with alcohol withdrawal and detoxification. When treating alcohol detoxification in an inpatient rehabilitation center, different medications may be used to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are most commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detoxification phase. Some people experience a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that doctors call delirium tremens (DT) or alcohol withdrawal delirium. Medical and treatment professionals urge alcoholics not to attempt detoxification without constant attention, preferably from a doctor. When you enter an alcoholism treatment program, you will benefit from medical care that addresses alcohol withdrawal and any underlying co-occurring disorders you have.

Starting treatment for alcohol abuse after safely completing detox is the best way to prepare to achieve sobriety that way, the most physically uncomfortable part is over and you can focus your efforts on recovery. There is no quick way to remove alcohol from the system faster than normal, but there are ways to relieve symptoms and help the detoxification process go smoother. Detoxification in a vocational rehabilitation center is often the most recommended method to address alcohol addiction and dependence. Medically-assisted detoxification involves professional health monitoring during the detoxification phase to ensure its safety during the dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol detoxification is an important step in treating alcoholism and should be monitored by a medical professional. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce many of the uncomfortable effects associated with alcohol withdrawal and detoxification.

Starting treatment for alcohol abuse after safely completing detox is the best way to prepare to achieve sobriety.

George Mcnellie
George Mcnellie

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