Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from your body. It can be an extremely difficult and dangerous process, so it is vital to seek medical supervision if you are considering detoxing from alcohol.
When alcohol becomes a severe issue in one's life, the body becomes dependent on the substance. In some cases, individuals cannot function whatsoever without alcohol. When alcohol is removed from the daily routine of an alcoholic, the body begins to go into withdrawal.
Detoxification allows the patient to eliminate alcohol from their daily routine. This process, unfortunately, comes with some discomfort, which varies in severity depending on the amount of alcohol the patient was using prior to admitting to treatment, how long alcohol was being abused, and any potential pre-existing conditions that can be heightened due to alcohol abuse.
For many individuals, the path to recovery begins with detoxification.
Here at LA Valley Recovery, we offer a state-of-the-art, evidenced-based medical drug detox program in Los Angeles that provides round-the-clock care in a safe and secure environment surrounded by caring staff. Keep reading to explore how our center for drug and alcohol detox in LA can help you recover once and for all.
The Detox Process
The detox process typically begins within a few hours of your last drink. The first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. As your body continues to detox, you may experience more severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens.
The severity of your withdrawal symptoms will depend on a number of factors, including how much alcohol you drank, how long you drank for, and any other underlying medical conditions you have.
The detox process usually takes around 7-10 days, but it can vary from person to person. Once your body has been completely detoxed from alcohol, you will begin to feel better. However, it is important to continue with your recovery plan to prevent relapse.
The Process of Alcohol Detox
Here is a more detailed overview of what to expect during alcohol detox:
Days 1-3
The first few days of alcohol detox are typically the most difficult. You may experience a range of symptoms, including:
Anxiety
Tremors
Insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Fatigue
Mood swings
Cravings for alcohol
Days 4-7
As your body continues to detox, you may experience more severe symptoms, such as:
Hallucinations
Seizures
Delirium tremens (DTs)
DTs are a serious complication of alcohol withdrawal and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of DTs include:
Confusion
Disorientation
Agitation
Hallucinations
Delusions
Seizures
Days 7-10
By day 7, most of your withdrawal symptoms should have subsided. However, you may still experience some cravings for alcohol and fatigue.
The Detox Process At LA Valley Recovery
1. Prior to arrival at LA Valley Recovery, our admissions staff will conduct a thorough pre-screen to identify the areas in which alcohol has become an issue. This will identify substance use history, medical history, employment information, and other things in order to prepare the team for your arrival. This allows our medical staff to have a better understanding of the history of each client.
2. Upon arrival at LA Valley Recovery, you will be greeted by medical and operational personnel who will immediately begin assessments to identify the severity of the situation at hand.
3. After medical and admissions assessments are completed, clients can be given medication to begin combating the symptoms of withdrawal.
4. Once initial assessments are completed and medications are given to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, clients will be seen by our Medical Director, they will then review the assessments and further identify issues at hand to improve and build on the detoxification treatment plan.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Last?
Typically the detoxification process lasts anywhere between 3 and 10 days depending on the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. However, every individual reacts differently to the removal of alcohol, so the detoxification period will look and feel slightly different between individuals. There is no “cookie cutter” approach to the detoxification process. Every individual reacts differently. This is where the experienced medical team comes in to save the day! Through experience, our Medical staff at LA Valley Recovery have a keen sense for identifying certain aspects of the detoxification severity symptoms in order to properly manage the withdrawal period.
For more information regarding our Alcohol Detoxification process at LA Valley Recovery,
What Happens After Detox?
Once you have completed detox, you will need to continue with your recovery plan. This may involve attending therapy, support groups, or taking medication. It is important to develop a relapse prevention plan to help you stay sober.
Tips for Alcohol Detox
Here are some tips for alcohol detox:
Seek medical supervision. This is the best way to ensure that you detox safely and effectively.
Be patient. Detox can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Don't expect to feel better overnight.
Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to flush the alcohol from your body and prevent dehydration.
Eat nutritious foods. Eating healthy foods will give you the energy you need to get through detox.
Get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal during detox.
Avoid triggers. This includes people, places, and things that make you want to drink.
Alcohol detox can be a difficult and dangerous process, but it is essential for successful recovery from alcohol addiction. If you are considering detoxing from alcohol, please seek medical supervision.
Here are some additional tips for alcohol detox:
Be honest with your doctor. Tell your doctor about how much alcohol you drink, how long you have been drinking for, and any other underlying medical conditions you have. This information will help your doctor to develop a safe and effective detox plan for you.
Have a support system in place. Having supportive friends and family members can make a big difference during alcohol detox. They can offer encouragement, practical help, and emotional support.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling during alcohol detox, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or other healthcare professionals for help. They are there to support you and help you through this difficult process.
Detox is just the beginning of your recovery journey.
Detoxification from alcohol is one of the most dangerous processes for someone with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Due to the potential seizures that can happen during the detoxification process, it is highly recommended that an inpatient, medically supervised program, such as LA Valley Recovery is the safest option when removing alcohol from the individual's daily routine.
Though every individual experiences the symptoms of withdrawal differently based on their substance use history, it is highly recommended to attend a 24/7 supervised program in order to reduce the chances of irreversible damage or death. Detoxification is a process that must include careful monitoring, medication management, and willingness from the patient to be open and honest about the thoughts and feelings that are occurring during the process.