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Defining Alcohol Detox
Detoxification can be managed through a medically supervised process. Medical professionals will monitor your vital signs to ensure that you are detoxing safely.
Alcohol withdrawal can be very difficult and even dangerous for a person who has been drinking heavily for several weeks or months.
While some people are able to quit drinking on their own, others will require specialized treatment programs to address the medical issues as well as the emotional and psychological problems associated with alcohol use disorder. The goal is to help someone safely withdraw from alcohol so they can move forward with sobriety.
Patients who need help with alcohol dependence but do not require 24-hour medical supervision can enroll in an outpatient stabilization program. These programs provide support without the requirement of staying overnight.
Detoxification is not a one-size-fits-all process, nor should it be considered a cure for addiction. It's important to note that detoxification doesn't work well on its own without proper counseling and ongoing support systems in place after leaving the facility.
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How Alcohol Withdrawal Feels
Alcohol withdrawal often feels like anxiety, shaking, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and headaches, with some people also experiencing nausea and vomiting. Severe alcohol withdrawal can lead to hallucinations and seizures that need medical attention.
It's important to understand that these symptoms are caused by the absence of alcohol in your system.
While everyone experiences alcohol withdrawal differently, there are some common signs that indicate someone is in the process of detoxing from alcohol. These include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Difficulty sleeping
Delirium tremens is characterized by severe confusion, visual hallucinations, fever, shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, disorientation, and possibly seizures. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency.
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Risks That Make Withdrawal Unsafe Alone
Delirium tremens and seizures make solo withdrawal potentially fatal. Seizures may be accompanied by violent shaking and loss of consciousness.
Withdrawal becomes unsafe to face alone when it gets complicated by any of the following:
- The presence of mental illness
- A history of seizures or other neurological problems
- Any coexisting health condition that makes you at greater risk for developing complications while going through withdrawal (for example, if you have severe heart disease)
When someone drinks heavily for an extended period, their body becomes dependent on alcohol in order to function properly. When the person stops drinking suddenly or cold turkey, they may experience a painful or even dangerous withdrawal process.
The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
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Supervised Detox Versus Outpatient Stabilization
Ambulatory withdrawal management suits mild cases while medically supervised treatment is required for moderate-to-severe symptoms. This includes people who have had delirium tremens or seizures from alcohol use, and those with serious co-occurring medical conditions that require close attention during detoxification.
During this process, patients will be carefully monitored for any signs of complications and given medication as necessary.
Outpatient stabilization, on the other hand, provides similar services but is administered in an outpatient setting and will not include a residential stay. This option is only suitable for patients with mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms. If you are dealing with severe symptoms, your alcohol treatment center may recommend an alternative approach.
Supervised detox means going to a detox facility where you receive 24-hour care from professionals who can manage any health complications that may arise.
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Typical Timeline of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox timelines usually begin within hours or days after drinking stops. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak 24 to 72 hours after the last drink and can last for weeks.
During the withdrawal process, individuals may experience physical symptoms like shakiness, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and irritability.
Alcohol detox refers to the period of time that you experience the physical symptoms associated with abstaining from drinking.
The length of time depends on many factors, including:
- Amount of alcohol consumed
- Length of time drinking has been going on
- Severity of symptoms
For some people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may last for months. These can include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, restlessness, and mood swings.
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Medicines Used While Withdrawing
Sedatives and monitored fluids are common tools when treating someone withdrawing from alcohol. They can help prevent life-threatening complications like delirium tremens (DTs).
During withdrawal, doctors may give sedatives and some medicines that help protect against seizures. They might also give medicines to help reduce nausea and other discomforts of withdrawal.
The medicines used in alcohol withdrawal can vary depending on how severe your condition is. There are some common options that may be given to help ease symptoms.
For more serious cases, the doctor may prescribe medicine to help you withdraw safely.
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Stepping From Detox Into Ongoing Care
Counseling and recovery supports continue after alcohol detoxification. Inpatient or residential rehabilitation and outpatient programs furnish you with tools for life. They foster new ways of behaving, give you adaptive coping mechanisms and can challenge thinking and emotional patterns, leading to behavior change.
You will learn how to avoid high-risk situations, manage your medications, solve problems, deal with uncomfortable feelings, set goals and more.
Your doctor or counselor can help you find ongoing treatment options that may include medication-assisted therapy (MAT), support groups, 12-step programs, sober living, or outpatient treatment.
Treatment may involve any combination of individual therapy, group counseling, family involvement, and other types of support.
If you're not ready to stay in a residential program or attend outpatient therapy, your treatment team may encourage you to join an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group. You may also be asked to see your primary care doctor regularly.
Stopping suddenly can cause potentially serious complications such as seizures and delirium tremens.
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Finding Withdrawal Management Certified in Ohio
OhioMHAS certifies residential and withdrawal management when a program meets all the requirements for certification. OhioMHAS does not have any designations for "crisis stabilization units." ASAM Levels 2-WM, 3.2-WM, and 3.7-WM are certified as withdrawal management levels of care.
An alcohol or drug addiction treatment facility certified to provide withdrawal management is an agency that provides a program for the detoxification from alcohol or other drugs.