Did you know that alcohol claims about 140,000 lives every year in the US? This copious number demands that treatment should be sought immediately. Alcohol detox is the initial treatment a person undergoes if they go for rehabilitation. While some people may detox from alcohol within a few days, others may require a longer period and medical assistance. The short answer to “How long does it take to detox from alcohol” is that it primarily depends on factors like age, metabolism, etc. Continue reading for exact time ranges of the length of alcohol detox and how addiction specialists can help you to detox from alcohol safely.
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How Long Does Detox Take? Factors That Affect the Duration
Detox is a process where a medical practitioner cleanses your body from the remains of alcohol. Initially, when you quit alcohol, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like unusual sweating or tremors may prevail, which is why detox becomes necessary. However, it is essential to remember that alcohol becomes a part of your life, so your body will react strongly without its presence. The length of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on various factors, such as:
- The severity of alcohol dependence
- Overall health
- presence of any medical conditions
Typically, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last a few days to a week. In such cases, detox can be completed within a week. However, in more severe cases, patients may need to be in the process of detox for several weeks.
The main goal of detox is:
- To manage withdrawal symptoms
- Ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal experience.
After detox, many individuals may benefit from the following:
- Ongoing medication-assisted treatment
- Continuing their recovery journey with ongoing treatment and support, such as therapy and support groups,
- Developing strategies for maintaining sobriety.
It’s important to note that everyone’s detox experience is unique, and a professional assessment is necessary to determine the appropriate length of stay in a detox program.
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How to Detox From Alcohol? Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Alcohol detox is not a process that a person can carry out on their own due to the severe and deadly withdrawal symptoms that are encountered. The detox length depends on the withdrawal symptoms’ severity. The following is a rough outline of the alcohol withdrawal timeline:
8-12 hours after the last drink
Early withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, nausea, and headaches may begin.
24-48 hours after the last drink
Symptoms can become more severe with increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, and agitation.
2-3 days after the last drink
A person may experience peak withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens (a severe form of withdrawal with symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and high fever), can occur. This stage is the most dangerous and requires medical attention.
5-7 days after the last drink
Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms start to subside after this interval, but mild symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and insomnia may persist for several weeks.
Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependence. Therefore, the best way to detox from alcohol is to stay under medical supervision to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal experience.
What made you search “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” Worry not if it has anything to do with work-life commitments or financial barriers! ChoicePoint offers outpatient detox treatment that is less costly. Contact us at 844.445.2565 to get registered at our facility.
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Here’s How You Stay Clean After Detox
Addiction is a chronic condition; recovery means a lifelong commitment to improving. Detox does not end the recovery process; instead, it initiates it. There are some long-term mental effects that alcohol causes, such as depression or anger issues. Sign up for therapies or support groups to address anxiety or other issues. Moreover, once you return to normal life, you may be tempted to consume alcohol again. Problems like these necessitate the implementation of behavioral therapies after detox.
According to research, therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective when used alone and with other treatments like medication or detox. If you decide to stay sober after having undergone detox, you may want to opt for such therapy. Is alcohol considered a drug? Read this article to understand alcohol and drug addiction.
Break Free From Alcohol Addiction
NIDA declares addiction a “treatable disorder.” If you are a victim of a substance use disorder, overcoming this issue may seem impossible. However, with the right treatment, you can overcome addiction. As our clinician, Samantha Socarras, says,
“The road to recovery from addiction is not easy, but it is possible. Seeking the support and guidance of professionals can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining a life of sobriety.”
At ChoicePoint, we ensure that every individual is treated with special care. Here’s what sets us apart from other rehab centers:
a. Outpatient Detox Facility
We offer outpatient detox for those suffering from substance abuse. You do not have to stay at the facility to initiate recovery because we are an outpatient detox facility. You can undergo the process and return to your home.
You may visit our facility located in Fairlawn, NJ. To book an appointment with our DEA-certified doctors, contact us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form.
b. Specialized and Personalized Care
Research suggests that personalized care can yield better outcomes in treating addiction. As a rehab center, we believe individual differences matter and must be considered while implementing a treatment. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment, a specialized treatment focused on addressing mental conditions co-existing with addiction.
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c. Therapeutic Interventions
To accentuate the effects of our treatments, like medication or detox, we offer different behavioral therapies to resolve issues preceding and following addiction. Contact us at 844.445.2565 or complete this form to opt for our therapy programs. You can also visit our rehab virtually by registering for telehealth services.
If you opt for ChoicePoint, our licensed staff will make an initial assessment to answer your question, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol.” Contact us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form.
Concluding Remarks: How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
The conclusion to the question of how long does it take to detox from alcohol has no specific answer because many factors determine it. However, one fact remains: There is no alternative to professional help. No matter how severe your addiction is, seeking professional help is very important to nip the problem in the bud and move forward with your life.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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