Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Treatment & Timeline

When alcohol is removed, the nervous system rebounds, causing withdrawal symptoms. Some people experience a severe form of alcohol withdrawal known as DTs. A person with this condition can have a very high heart rate, seizures, or a high body temperature.

What Is the First Step…

Alcohol detox is often the first — and most crucial — step on the road to sobriety and recovery. For many, the idea of going through detox feels overwhelming, especially when the timeline, symptoms, and risks aren’t clear. If you or someone you love is considering addiction treatment, understanding the detox process can ease your fears and prepare you for what’s ahead. The intensity and length of these symptoms vary from person to person, depending on variables such as their general health, their alcohol use, and any other co-existing medical issues. Professional medical care during alcohol detox is vital for managing withdrawal symptoms if they are severe. Depending on the severity, AUD, which is a neurological condition, may range from mild to severe.

Can alcohol detox be fatal without medical care?

In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. alcohol detox Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, getting help is just a phone call away, or consider trying therapy online with BetterHelp. Relapse prevention is a key part of long-term recovery and involves several strategies.

What Is the Success Rate of Alcohol Detox Programs?

It can be difficult to contact your insurance provider to figure out what your policy will (or will not) cover before attending rehab. They take that work off your plate completely and handle the (tedious) process of verifying insurance benefits for you. You’ll know upfront what your options are, and there will be absolutely no surprise out-of-pocket expenses. Infinite Recovery accepts most major health insurance providers. Speak with our admissions team today to verify your coverage and get an accurate picture of what treatment will cost.

Think you have a drinking problem?

However, it’s still important to stay engaged in addiction recovery programs and maintain support networks Halfway house to manage ongoing alcohol cravings and psychological triggers. Three months into alcohol recovery, most individuals see significant improvements in both physical and mental health. Liver function continues to improve, and many experience sustained weight loss due to a more stable metabolism and healthier habits. People may still be at risk for severe reactions, including seizures and hallucinations. We know that privacy is a significant concern and we want to assure you that your personal and medical details will remain 100% private.

Benzodiazepines

Alcohol detox is the natural process by which the body eliminates alcohol from its system. When someone has developed a physical dependence on alcohol, stopping suddenly can cause a range of withdrawal symptoms — some mild, others potentially life-threatening. Exercising during alcohol detox is highly recommended because of the positive effects that it has on physical and mental health. Actively moving your body helps remove toxins by stimulating natural detoxification mechanisms. Regular exercise will also help you sleep better, which might be a relief if you’re experiencing insomnia. Getting away from people who enable your drinking is crucial during alcohol withdrawal.

Lifestyle and home remedies

• About half of all people with alcohol use disorder go through it.
• Having a strong support system through family, friends, or peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is crucial.
• People who have an addiction to alcohol or who drink heavily on a regular basis and are not able to gradually cut down are at high risk of AWS.
• The liver can metabolize alcohol at a rate of about 1 hour per standard drink, but some tests still detect alcohol in the blood after 24 hours.
• An alcohol detox may cause withdrawal symptoms in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or a history of heavy drinking.
• This level of alcohol withdrawal is marked by seizures in people who have had no previous issues with seizures.

Your current insurance benefits could reduce your upfront costs. Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think. You may also receive other medications or treatments for related health issues, like IV fluids for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances or antinausea medicines if you experience vomiting. Alcohol (ethanol) depresses (slows down) your central nervous system (CNS). If you consistently consume significant amounts of alcohol, your CNS gets used to this effect. Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning.