Alcohol Detox: What You Can Expect

Knowing that you or your loved one is going to go through alcohol detox can be nerve-racking. People going through drug detox may be nervous about the withdrawal symptoms or nervous about life without alcohol. These are valid concerns, and alcohol detox should never be undertaken without medical supervision. If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol, alcohol detox done in a safe and controlled way can be the start of a life free from addiction.

If you or a loved one is preparing to go through alcohol detox, it is essential to learn what you can expect in the process. Understanding how it works and what the experience will be like can decrease your stress about the detox.

Side Effects of Alcohol Detox

If you are preparing to go through alcohol detox and you are worried about the withdrawal symptoms, remember you are not the first to experience them. You are far from alone in this process. Struggling with withdrawing or undergoing alcohol detox is very common, but you can get through it and emerge from the process healthier and less dependent on alcohol.

A treatment center like The Forge Recovery Center can ensure you receive the proper support and supervision to safely detox from alcohol or other substances.

After undergoing alcohol detox, you can continue your drug and alcohol treatment and live the healthier lifestyle you desire. If you struggle with alcohol, you will likely have already experienced some of the withdrawal symptoms that happen when the alcohol is removed from your system. If the detox is not done in a professional environment, it can have serious risks and health consequences.

Professional supervision during alcohol detox can give you the support you need to complete the detox safely. This does not mean you will not experience withdrawal effects. It is essential to understand that the symptoms of the withdrawal phase will not last forever. 

Your body may handle the process differently from others, and this can impact the severity of your withdrawals. It helps to remember that professionals are there to help you through each stage.

Medical Supervision and Monitoring

The detox phase of withdrawal is temporary, and with help from professionals, you can get through it with more comfort and peace of mind. Detox is often the first step of recovery, and it is one of the most important stages of treatment. Alcohol detox will focus on eliminating the toxins of alcohol from your body so that your body can start repairing itself.

It is important for you to remember that recovery is a process, and detox does not happen overnight. Medical supervision is needed to monitor your health during the process, and you will have someone by your side 24/7. Quality programs for alcohol detox ensure that you receive the appropriate assistance so that you are safe throughout the entire process.

How to Initiate a Detox

The initial stage of alcohol detox can begin with a simple phone call to The Forge. We are happy to guide you in the right direction, provide resources to help you address alcohol addiction, and answer any of your questions or concerns.

If you want to detox from alcohol, we want to ensure your detox is safe. To that end, we will help you assess your different treatment options and connect you with appropriate medical supervision for your detox.

The Stages of Alcohol Detox

During the first 8 to 12 hours of alcohol detox, you may experience severe alcohol cravings, headaches, nausea, and sweating.

At 12 to 24 hours, you might notice an appetite change and feel a little more anxious or have difficulty sleeping.

From 24 to 48 hours, you may experience emotional fluctuations and general confusion.

The first few days of alcohol detox, between 48 to 96 hours after the detox began, can be the most difficult. You will likely be experiencing the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, but you will have medical supervision around you to ease them and ensure they do not cause long-term damage.

How Long Do Withdrawals Last?

After the first week or so of the detox, you will likely have passed the most challenging part of it, and your withdrawal symptoms should begin to alleviate. At this point, you may experience only exhaustion or lack of motivation.

Each phase of detox can vary from one person to the next. You may only experience some of the symptoms in the first few days and may not experience them at all in the latter. You may experience symptoms longer than others or past seven days. It depends on you, your medical needs, and the amount of toxins in your body.

In the later phases of alcohol detox, whenever you are feeling better, you can focus on getting the information and resources you need to continue past the detox phase.

Do Not Attempt Alcohol Detox Alone

It is important to remember to not attempt alcohol detox alone. Doing so can be hazardous without medical supervision. You may experience seizures or have underlying health conditions that a professional can address during the detox. If you attempt to detox on your own, you may cause long-term damage.

Some people think they can detox independently. However, attempting an alcohol detox on your own is extremely dangerous, and there are plenty of resources available to help you detox safely. The key is to have medical supervision so that you can protect your body as it goes through withdrawals.

The Forge Recovery Center can connect you with the resources you need for a safe detox. For more information on alcohol detox and what you should expect, reach out to The Forge today with your questions.