Alcohol Detox Timeline and Setting the Right Expectations

Many people remain unaware that they have become dependent on alcohol. They don’t know there is a problem until they try to stop drinking. They then experience withdrawal symptoms and may turn to alcohol again to relieve the symptoms. To get their lives back on track, they need help.

Breaking the Dependence

Men and women in this situation have become dependent on alcohol. They cannot quit cold turkey but will need professional help with drug and alcohol detox. Once the alcohol has left the system, treatment can then begin for the addiction. What is withdrawal, and how does it affect a person?

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

When the person becomes dependent on alcohol, it changes their brain. If the brain does not receive enough alcohol, withdrawal symptoms begin. They can start a few hours after the person’s last drink, and the symptoms may linger for days. The body must detox and remove all traces of the alcohol before it can begin functioning normally again. It takes time to restore normal GABA and dopamine levels in the body.

Withdrawal Symptoms

A person withdrawing from alcohol may experience both physical and mental symptoms. Each person differs in terms of the severity and prevalence of these symptoms, however. One person might find they sweat excessively, and another person will struggle with a high heart rate. Nausea and vomiting have been reported along with restlessness and insomnia. The user may feel anxious and struggle to make decisions. They could also become irritable or agitated.

A person suffering from severe withdrawal may have delusions or hallucinations. Seizures can occur when the alcohol level in the body drops, as the electrical activity in the brain is abnormal. The seizures might lead to a head injury.

Heart palpitations or arrhythmia may occur and the liver or kidneys may not work as intended. Sadly, some people choke on their vomit and lose their lives. Other men and women find their blood pressure soars as a result of alcohol withdrawal, putting them at risk of a stroke and other medical issues. Delirium tremens are another concern, as they can lead to death.

The symptoms are often related to the level of alcohol dependence and the years of use. Age and addiction history also play a role in how a person reacts to alcohol withdrawal. As no two people are the same, professional help is needed to reduce the symptoms and address complications promptly.

Withdrawal Timeline

Most people need between seven and ten days for the alcohol to leave the system. However, some side effects may linger longer. The person might suffer minor symptoms when they first stop drinking. These symptoms get worse as the alcohol continues to exit the body and may result in seizures. Often, these seizures occur within the first 48 hours after the last drink.

Sadly, men and women who do not get help from professionals when withdrawing from alcohol may be putting their lives at risk. Dehydration remains a common problem because of the nausea, diarrhea, and sweating prevalent during alcohol detox. As the body is already dehydrated from the alcohol use, the person is more at risk of seizures and possibly death.

If you or a loved one has become dependent on alcohol, now is the time to seek help. With many treatment options offered today, every person can get the treatment they need to break the addiction without harming their health in the process. Reach out to a treatment center today for a better life in every way.