Alcohol use disorder is a common problem for many people in the United States. Alcohol accounts for approximately 88,000 deaths a year making it the third leading preventable cause of death. Not only does alcohol result in premature deaths but it wrecks the body, destroys homes, ruins careers, steals finances, and lowers a person’s self-esteem. When you decide to take the step to quit drinking you may wonder how long does it take to detox from alcohol. When making that important decision, it’s vital that you seek assistance from an alcohol detox program in San Antonio TX.
When you drink alcohol regularly, you build up a tolerance to it, which often leads to chronic, heavy drinking. This makes quitting abruptly even more of a serious matter. When someone has been drinking heavily for an extended period of time, their central nervous system and brain have been changed in response to the alcohol.
Alcohol is a depressant and as a result, it depresses the central nervous system. To compensate for the slowed down system, the brain goes into a hyperactive mode to keep responsive. Your brain needs to keep alert in order to keep your heart beating, lungs functioning, and all the other many things it does. However, when you suddenly quit drinking, the brain is still in the same keyed up mode but the depressant is removed. So, there is a sudden shift in the central nervous system. The jarring effect leads to many of the withdrawal symptoms that people have when they quit drinking. Some of these symptoms include:
Additionally, you can experience:
Not everyone gets every symptom. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on several factors.
Let’s take a look at an alcohol detox timeline:
6–12 hours after you stop drinking you may experience anxiety, shakiness, headaches, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and sweating.
24–72 hours after you stop drinking you may feel more ill and disoriented. You are also at risk for tremors, hallucinations, and seizures during this time.
Days 3–7 after you stop drinking the above symptoms will come and go but you’re also at risk for delirium tremors, which can be serious.
One week after you stop drinking the symptoms will begin to taper off. You are over the worst of the more dangerous symptoms.
Seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder is critical. Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are extremely serious and potentially life-threatening.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, our trained clinicians will guide you safely through the detox process. We offer a comprehensive program for those with alcohol use disorder including withdrawal management treatment. Some of our therapies include:
Family therapy involves helping families develop healthy communication skills and better ways to resolve conflicts, while also helping identify any underlying or contributing issues that may be related to the patient's alcohol abuse.
Holistic therapy for alcohol addiction focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patient. It is a more natural approach to recovery that addresses all aspects of the individual's life, including nutrition, exercise, lifestyle habits, and spiritual practices.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect our behavior. CBT is used to help individuals replace unhealthy with healthier coping mechanisms.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an approach to treatment that uses animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses, to help individuals with alcohol addiction. AAT helps patients build trust, gain insight into their behavior and create healthy relationships with themselves and others.
Meditation therapy uses mindfulness practices to help individuals with alcohol addiction develop healthy coping skills and manage cravings and stress. Meditation therapy can also be used to increase awareness, focus on the present moment, and cultivate gratitude.
Don't let alcohol interfere with your future plans. Now that you know how long does it take to detox from alcohol, you can be successful in your quest for sobriety. Contact us at 866.957.7885 and we'll get you on the road to recovery.
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