When people have been misusing alcohol for a long time, they can develop a dependence or addiction. This generally means that alcohol has altered their brain chemistry, making it necessary for them to drink to function normally. That’s when an alcohol detox program becomes essential.
It’s understandable how addiction can begin as a pursuit of euphoria. However, over time, the focus often shifts to avoiding the distressing effects of withdrawal. It can be a complex cycle to break, but recovery is possible with the proper support and resources.
The fear of withdrawal symptoms is something that can deter those with alcohol addiction from getting the help they need. It certainly is understandable why someone would worry about the process of detoxing from alcohol.
At Santé Center for Healing, we offer an alcohol detox program in Argyle, Texas, that can help you with the process of getting sober. Our program can help you feel less alone in the process of detoxing from alcohol, as our team of licensed clinicians and counselors will be there to provide you with the medical care you need. Call us today at 866.238.3154 to determine if our alcohol detox program is right for you or a loved one.
What Is an Alcohol Detox Program?
There’s no point in sugar-coating the fact there could be severe discomfort related to detox from alcohol. That would certainly be the case should someone decide to try to stop on their own. Medical experts would be quick to point out the dangers of stopping without help from an outside resource. That’s good news. Help is available.
The detox process is manageable through a dedicated detox center or an addiction treatment center with an in-house option. Clinicians monitor clients during withdrawal in a detox center like the one we have at Santé Center for Healing. In some cases, clients can get through the process with simple encouragement.
For clients who might experience discomfort or sleeping issues, the medical staff might use a medical detox process. They can prescribe medication if a client is experiencing symptoms of muscle cramping, sweats, hallucinations, nausea, sleeping issues, or convulsions. The treatment center will do whatever is necessary to keep a client safe and secure.
What Happens During the Process of Detoxing from Alcohol?
During the process of detoxing from alcohol, the body begins to eliminate the alcohol from its system while adjusting to functioning without it. This process varies in duration and intensity depending on the individual’s level of addiction, physical health, and numerous other factors.
Here are the general steps typically involved:
- Early symptoms – Within six to 12 hours after the last drink, individuals may start to experience early withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, and insomnia.
- Peak symptoms – Symptoms usually peak around 24 to 72 hours after the last drink, including high blood pressure, increased body temperature, irregular heartbeat, and severe confusion.
- Late-stage symptoms – Delirium tremens, a serious condition characterized by hallucinations and seizures, may occur 72 hours or more after the last drink and is considered a medical emergency.
- Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) – Some individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), for weeks or months after quitting alcohol. Symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and increased sensitivity to stress.
Withdrawal is an arduous process, and it’s crucial to have professional medical supervision when going through it. Detox centers like Santé Center for Healing provide medical monitoring to ensure security and comfort during withdrawal, offering treatments adjusted to the individual’s unique detoxification progress.
Understanding Care After Detoxing from Alcohol
Once a client has had the opportunity to cleanse their system of harmful substances, the real work of treatment begins. Addiction therapy is an essential part of the treatment process. Counselors and clients get the chance to work together toward a common goal: getting the client into recovery mode.
The more clients learn about their addiction, the better their chances of recovery. After detoxing from alcohol use, individuals can participate in the therapeutic services that will most help them.
For example, some of the therapies at Santé Center for Healing include:
- Art therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Family therapy
- Fitness therapy
Using a combination of therapies, clients can learn to identify their triggers. Also, they develop methods to cope with triggers and cravings. With the right combination of treatment at Santé Center for Healing and with the help of our counselors and therapists, many clients can overcome their triggers.
Call Santé Center for Healing to Start Detoxing from Alcohol
For over 20 years, Santé Center for Healing has built a solid reputation for successfully treating clients. Our treatment philosophy focuses on treating the whole individual. Additionally, our treatment process goes beyond treating a basic addiction. We also seek to treat mental health conditions that may be contributing factors.
It’s never too late to seek help for your alcohol addiction. Our admissions team is here to answer all your questions and help you get started on the journey to recovery. If you’re ready to begin detoxing from alcohol, contact us at 866.238.3154 today.
