Many people are scared to start alcohol detox because of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. There’s no question that alcohol withdrawal is a tough process that can start within a few hours from your last drink. But it’s also important to know that many people have been through this process and are now living a sober life.
Medical detox is the key to a more comfortable and tolerable detox process. This type of program provides around-the-clock support to get you through withdrawal as safely and comfortably as possible. You can learn more about alcohol detox in Newport Beach by contacting Newport Beach Recovery Center.
In this post, we’ll explore the timeline for alcohol detox so that you know what to expect. We feel that being informed on the process is the best way to prepare accordingly.
What is an Alcohol Detox Program in Newport Beach? Is it Necessary?
When a person drinks heavily, toxins build up in the body. If they suddenly stop drinking, the body has to go through a period of adjustment. This is called withdrawal. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. It all depends on how much alcohol you consume and for how long.
Doctors generally recommend medically supervised detox for people with an alcohol use disorder because this type of withdrawal can be fatal. Some people may experience seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs), which is why alcohol detox can be life threatening. Fortunately, you can prevent these complications by seeking care at a medical detox facility.
Here is what you can expect during your time in an alcohol detox program in Newport Beach:
- Medical assessment. The first step is to do an assessment to determine the level of care you need. We’ll gather information on your medical history and addiction history and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Withdrawal. It doesn’t take long for withdrawal symptoms to set in. Some of the most common symptoms include nausea, shaking, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, muscle pain and fatigue.
- Medication. To help you cope with the withdrawal effects, we give clients medication to treat their symptoms. No one medication treats all symptoms, but we may prescribe medication to ease anxiety and depression, promote sufficient sleep and assist with the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
- Around-the-clock support. At a medical detox center, you’ll have 24/7 support from medical professionals and support staff. This ensures your detox is safe, tolerable and successful. Without this support, people are more likely to relapse.
How Long Does it Take to Withdrawal from Alcohol?
On average, alcohol withdrawal lasts for 7 to 10 days. However, keep in mind that detox is different for everyone. It’s possible that withdrawal could be shorter or longer depending on how much alcohol you’ve been consuming, how long you’ve been consuming it for and other factors, such as the presence of a mental health disorder.
Clients at our Newport Beach alcohol detox program generally stabilize within one week. We recognize that this can feel like a lifetime when you’re going through it, but consider that this one week is the first step in getting your life back. Many people have gone through this process – our own staff included – and were successful in getting to the other side.
What is the Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal?
While people experience detox differently, there is a general timeline that follows. Rest assured that our detox center is prepared for each stage and has the appropriate therapies and medications within reach.
The general timeline for alcohol withdrawal is as follows:
Day 1 of alcohol withdrawal
The first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin within the first few hours from the last drink. People usually notice that their hands start shaking and they feel restless and uneasy. Cravings for alcohol are also very common. Keep in mind that there are FDA-approved medications to help control cravings.
Days 2-3 of alcohol withdrawal
This is usually when withdrawal symptoms peak. People often begin suffering from nausea, a fast heartbeat, anxiety and vomiting. They may also experience an agitated mood or hallucinations. Our support staff knows to look for symptoms of delirium tremens and seizures, as they can come out of nowhere. DTs and seizures require immediate medical assistance.
Final stage of alcohol withdrawal
After day three, things usually start to look up, though some people don’t start feeling better until after a full week. Stabilization has usually happened by this point, though it’s normal to have a low mood and alcohol cravings. These symptoms can linger for days, weeks or months.
PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) happens to some people who detox from alcohol. It’s believed that these ongoing symptoms are due to the brain adjusting and recovering. Common symptoms of PAWS are irritability, anxiety, depressed mood and difficulty with cognitive tasks.
Get in Touch with the Right Newport Beach Alcohol Rehab Program
Newport Beach Recovery Center offers a full continuum of care. Clients who are actively using alcohol usually require medical detox before starting inpatient treatment. The benefit in choosing our facility is that you can go through the detox process and start treatment right away in the same facility. You do not have to jump around from one facility to the next to have your needs met.
To learn more about our detox center in Newport Beach and how it can help you recover from your alcohol use disorder, contact Newport Beach Recovery Center today.
