Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It can manifest in various forms, such as alcohol use, abuse, dependency, and addiction.
For instance, imagine a person who indulges in alcohol occasionally at social events. This is an example of alcohol use. However, when this occasional use turns into a regular habit where the person feels the need to consume alcohol to unwind or deal with stress, it becomes alcohol abuse. When the person’s body starts to demand alcohol to function normally, it signifies alcohol dependency. Eventually, when the person cannot stop consuming alcohol despite its adverse impacts on their life, it escalates to alcohol addiction.
Seasons in Malibu understands the cycle of alcohol addiction; our professional and compassionate staff can help you or a loved one break that cycle. An alcohol detox program is the first step of the journey towards recovery. Call 424.235.2009 to learn how to take that step.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
Detoxification plays a crucial role in treating alcohol addiction. It is the initial step in the recovery process that involves eliminating all traces of alcohol from the body. This process allows individuals to break free from their physical dependence on alcohol and begin their journey toward sobriety.
During this process, there will be several signs of alcohol detox, often called withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mildly unpleasant to life-threatening, depending on the severity and length of alcohol use.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms During Detoxification
During detoxification, individuals may experience a range of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Seizures
These symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the individual’s alcohol dependency. One of the most severe is called delirium tremens
What Is Delirium Tremens?
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal, typically occurring in those with a long history or heavy pattern of alcohol consumption. It typically appears 48 to 72 hours after the last drink and is characterized by sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Symptoms can include body tremors, changes in cognitive function, restlessness, confusion, irritability, and hallucinations. More severe symptoms can include seizures, deep sleep that lasts for a day or longer (also known as stupor), and sudden severe confusion. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention due to its potential to result in death if left untreated.
Risks of Attempting Alcohol Detox Without Professional Treatment
Attempting to quit alcohol without professional addiction treatment can be extremely dangerous due to the severe alcohol detox symptoms. Hence, it is essential to seek professional help when deciding to quit alcohol.
- Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: The unsupervised detox could be pretty hazardous with seizures, tremors, or even hallucinations.
- Risk of Dehydration: Dehydration might result in organ failure due to persistent vomiting or excessive sweating.
- Mental Health Issues: Some are at risk of deepening anxiety, depression, or even contemplating suicide without adequate support.
- Increased Risk of Relapse: Without professional guidance, it becomes difficult to cope with withdrawal cravings, and the risk of relapse increases.
- Risk of Delirium Tremens (DTs): A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fever.
- Untreated Health Issues: Experts can detect and treat underlying medical conditions that may worsen during detoxification.
- Minimal Psychological Support: Professional detoxification provides much-needed psychological support to deal with emotional crises.
- Poor Detoxification Process: Detoxification without expert assistance may not fully prepare the individual for long-term recovery.
- Medical Emergencies: Things may go wrong, and the medical crisis is too urgent to be treated which is not possible at home.
- Strain on Personal Relationships: Detoxing alone can increase stress, and quarrels with the family.
What Is Alcohol Detox Like?
The detox process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual’s level of alcohol dependency. During this period, individuals receive medical management to oversee withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. They also have access to various support tools, such as counseling, group therapy, and medications, which can aid in their recovery. These resources are designed to help individuals cope with the physical and emotional challenges of detoxification and prevent relapse.
Relapse prevention is critical since the withdrawal symptoms can be so unpleasant that many individuals return to alcohol use to stop them. A professional treatment team is essential to detoxification and eventual treatment and recovery.
Contact Seasons in Malibu for Alcohol Detox
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, remember help is just a call away. At Seasons in Malibu, we offer a comprehensive treatment program that includes medically managed detoxification, individualized therapy, and continuous support to help you navigate your journey to sobriety. Don’t let alcohol control your life any longer. Contact us today at 424.235.2009 or reach out online and take the first step towards improved health and well-being.
