Alcohol detox is the first step in treating an alcohol use disorder (AUD). People are often hesitant to quit drinking because of the withdrawal period, but a medically supervised detox program can help make this process easier.
Awakenings Treatment Center is getting ready to open its all-new detox facility. We look forward to expanding our services and offering people with AUD a safe and supportive setting to recover in. Below you’ll find more information about alcohol detox, the timeline to expect, and why medical supervision is essential.
Importance of Alcohol Detox in Agoura Hills
Alcohol is a depressant that your body comes to rely on. Over time, your brain eventually stops producing certain chemicals that it gets from drinking. When you quit using alcohol, your body needs time to adjust. Until your body recovers, it’s normal to experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, and hallucinations.
Detox flushes out the alcohol from your body so that you can start the recovery process. Withdrawal symptoms typically subside within 1-2 weeks, but this depends on how severe your addiction is. Due to the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should be monitored by a medical professional.
While in an alcohol detox program, a patient receives around-the-clock care. This ensures symptoms are properly managed and all vitals (blood pressure, heart rate) are in good standing. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort while in treatment, let your provider know so that your symptoms can be treated.
Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal
It helps to know what to expect from the alcohol detox process. Below is a typical timeline for alcohol withdrawal.
- 6-12 hours. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within a few hours from your last drink. They’re mild at this time but can quickly worsen. The most common symptoms are headaches, anxiety, shaking, and irritability.
- Day 1. As you approach 24 hours without alcohol, withdrawal symptoms worsen. Additional symptoms may include disorientation, hand tremors, and seizures. Due to the risk of seizures, medical supervision is necessary.
- Day 2. On the second day of detox, you can expect many of the same symptoms as day one. Hallucinations and panic attacks are also common.
- Days 3-7. For the rest of the week, withdrawal symptoms come and go. Medical supervision is especially important during this time as this is when delirium tremens (DTs) can happen.
- After 1 week. Withdrawal symptoms start to taper off after the first week. Once you are feeling better, you can start counseling through an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab in Agoura.
- Long-term. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) for several months to a year. PAWS symptoms include anxiety, low energy, trouble focusing, and delayed reflexes.
Benefits of Medically Supervised Alcohol Detox in Agoura Hills
A medically assisted detox program helps prevent serious complications, relieves pain and discomfort, and tracks your health. Because alcohol withdrawal does involve potentially life-threatening symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens, this is one drug that you should never detox from on your own.
Below are the benefits of seeking detox through a medically assisted program:
- Physical benefits. Your physical symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, dizziness) can be treated with medication and therapy to make you more comfortable.
- Mental benefits. Professional detox services grant access to therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, restlessness, nightmares, and drug cravings.
- Additional benefits. A medically assisted alcohol detox program offers a supportive environment, professional staff, and access to symptom treatment. This ensures a safe and successful detox.
Contact Awakenings Detox Today
Recovering from an alcohol addiction starts with detox. Awakenings Detox in Old Agoura Hills, CA offers a safe, comfortable, and luxurious environment to heal in. We accept most insurance and private pay. Once you complete detox, you can start an outpatient program while you transition into a normal routine. Contact us today to learn more about our new detox program.
