What to Expect During Alcohol Detox

Starting alcohol detox is a significant step towards recovery. But, for those who are unfamiliar with the process, it can be scary and overwhelming. So, having an understanding of what to expect and preparing for the journey ahead can help alleviate some of the fears associated with beginning detox.

It’s important to remember that detox is the first stage of addressing alcohol dependency, aimed at cleansing and removing toxins from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe way.

This article explains what happens during alcohol detox, giving an overview of the process, physical and psychological effects, what kind of support and treatments are available, and what you can realistically expect.

Whether it’s for you or someone you care about, understanding these key points can make the journey through detox more manageable.

What is an Alcohol Detox?

Detox is simply the process that removes all traces of drugs or alcohol from the body. It’s typically the first stage of addiction treatment, as the person will reach a more stable physical and mental state in order to continue to the next stage of addiction recovery.

Going through alcohol detox can be a difficult process, as your body has to adjust to not having alcohol in its system. This adjustment can be harder for some people than others, depending on how severe their addiction is.

When you stop drinking, the sudden decrease in chemicals that your body was used to can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s a tough part of the journey, but it’s your body’s way of getting back to normal.

Alcohol Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

The timeline of developing withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may only experience symptoms for a few days, whereas it may take longer for others to feel a sense of normality again.

These common withdrawal symptoms can start to appear within a few hours after the last drink and can range in severity from mild to very severe. Several common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include (but are not limited to):

• Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach, which can sometimes lead to vomiting.
• Changes in mood: This can include irritability, agitation, or depression.
• Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness, general unease, or panic.
• Aches and pains: Muscle and joint soreness or headaches are also common.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin, similar to what we see with a fever.
• Tremors: Shaky hands or trembling of other parts of the body.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: The heart might beat faster than normal.
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there.
• Seizures: In severe cases, patients might experience convulsions.
• Delirium tremens (DTs): A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that includes confusion, rapid heartbeat, fever, and hallucinations. This is a medical emergency.

It’s worth being aware that withdrawal symptoms are likely to only be at their very worst throughout the first 48 hours of an alcohol detox. After this time, symptoms should gradually start to improve as your body begins to adjust to the lack of alcohol. A full alcohol detox usually takes up to 3 to 7 days from the time of the last drink.

Are Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox Dangerous?

They can be, yes. Improper handling of the detoxification stage can (in severe cases) prove fatal, so long-term sufferers of alcohol abuse should always seek medical help during the process.

Alcohol withdrawal can also be more dangerous to those who have pre-existing conditions such as seizures or mental health problems. The main types of severe withdrawal symptoms, which, if left untreated, could result in death, are as follows:

• Seizures
• Delirium tremens
• Alcoholic ketoacidosis
• Hypophosphatemia

For the reasons highlighted above, it’s always a much safer option to undergo alcohol or drug detox under medically supervised conditions rather than at home.

How Long Does Detox Last?

The detox journey is as unique as the individual experiencing it. But, typically, the timeline can range anywhere from a few days to a week or so.

For most people, the first 48 to 72 hours are likely to be the hardest, with symptoms peaking and then gradually starting to improve.

What’s comforting to know is that, by the end of a 7-day period, many find the most challenging parts are behind them. However, it’s important to note that the length and severity of the alcohol detox process can vary based on several factors, including how long and how much one has been drinking, overall health, and if there are any underlying medical conditions.

What is a Medically Assisted Detox?

Because detox can be challenging and sometimes risky, there’s the option for people to undergo a medically assisted detox.

This is when medical professionals step in to make the process safer and more comfortable. It typically is part of an inpatient treatment programme at a rehabilitation clinic or hospital, where a team can monitor your health, manage symptoms, and provide medication if needed to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

This level of support is invaluable, especially for those who have been drinking heavily for a long time or have underlying mental health issues themselves.

What to Expect During a Supervised Detoxification Process

For a person who is undergoing treatment approaches a supervised or medically assisted detox, see below for information on what that process can look like.

Assessment

Upon entering an alcohol detox programme, a medical team will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient’s medical history, health complications, the extent of their alcohol use, if there are any other severe addictions present and any co-occurring medical or psychological conditions. This step helps in creating a personalised drug and alcohol detox plan that protects both their mental and physical health.

Medical Supervision and Management of Withdrawal Symptoms

Managing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms in a rehab setting is a careful and supportive process.

The first step is usually to assess how severe their withdrawal is. Based on this, they might be given medications to help manage these symptoms, which can include things like intense cravings, panic attacks, shaking, confusion, or even seizures.

A team keeps a close eye on them around the clock, making sure they’re safe, hydrated, nourished, and stable. The goal is to keep them as comfortable as possible while their body adjusts to not having alcohol.

The use of medications can be an essential part of the detox process for some people. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce anxiety and help with sleep. Other medications may be administered to manage specific symptoms or to prevent complications.

Support and Counseling Throughout the Process

In addition to medical care, emotional support will be provided to the individual starting their recovery journey. This ensures that not only the physical aspects of healing are addressed but also the mental and emotional well-being of the patient.

Trained professionals, including therapists and counsellors, are usually available to offer guidance, coping strategies, and a listening ear, helping individuals navigate the complexities of recovery.

Duration

As highlighted earlier in this article, the overall duration of a successful detox varies from person to person. The most intense phase of withdrawal may last from just a couple of days to a week. But, some withdrawal symptoms may persist for weeks or longer but in a less intense form.

Preparation for Ongoing Treatment

Although it’s seen as one of the harder stages of the treatment process, detox is just the beginning of the journey to recovery. Comprehensive treatment programmes may include ongoing intensive therapy, counselling, attending support groups, and sometimes medications to help maintain sobriety.

It’s important to approach detox as the first step in a longer process of recovery that requires ongoing support and treatment. Detox alone is rarely enough for achieving long-term recovery but is an essential starting point for individuals seeking to overcome drug and alcohol- dependence.

How to Detox Alcohol at Home

Although it’s not recommended over an inpatient detoxification programme, detoxing from alcohol at home can be a more suitable option for some. For example, individuals with a less severe dependency, who prefer privacy and comfort, or who may not be able to access inpatient facilities.

This option requires careful planning, commitment, and, ideally, support from a healthcare provider who provides outpatient medical detox treatment. Here’s an overview of what the home detox process might look like.

• Consultation with a Healthcare Provider. They can evaluate the severity of the alcohol dependency, provide guidance, and prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
• Creating a Safe Environment. Remove all alcohol from the home to reduce temptation and avoid potential triggers that may lead to relapse.
• Planning for Support. Arrange for a friend or family member to stay during the detox process. They can offer emotional support, help manage symptoms, and seek medical help if necessary.
• Medication Management. If prescribed by a healthcare provider, use medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Rest and Recovery. Ensure a comfortable, quiet space for rest. Withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally taxing, making rest incredibly important for recovery.
• Monitoring Symptoms. Keep a close watch on withdrawal symptoms. Mild symptoms can escalate quickly, and the risk of severe complications or delirium tremens (DTs) requires immediate medical attention.

During detox, ensure you drink plenty of fluids; the recommended daily intake is about 3 litres a day. However, you should actively avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated drinks. Such drinks include (but are not limited to) tea and coffee, as they can make insomnia worse and can cause feelings of anxiety. Instead, drinking water or fruit juice is the better option.

During detox, some people have a lack of appetite. However, it is recommended that you eat normal and balanced meals, even if you do not feel hungry.

For those taking prescribed medication to help with withdrawal symptoms, you must not drive. You need to tell the DVLA if you have a problem with alcohol, as failure to do so could result in a fine.

Find Alcohol Detox Programmes in London Today

We hope you’ve found this article useful. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with substance abuse or alcohol addiction, please reach out to us today.

Our team offer a free service that helps people find the best and most suitable addiction treatment for them. This includes finding comprehensive detox treatment plan options in London. Call us or message us today for more information on how we can help.