You’ve been hiding a drinking problem for a while now. However, you don’t want to keep waking up to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, you’re thinking of entering rehab. But, how long does alcohol detox take? At Santé Center for Healing, our experienced team of alcohol addiction rehab professionals can guide you through the detox process. We can then work with you to design a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Why Are There Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms in the First Place?
Even though alcohol initially perks you up a little, it’s actually a nervous system depressant. This means that it has sedative effects. When you keep giving your body a sedative at high doses, your brain works hard to maintain nervous system interactivity. This puts a strain on just on your brain function but on other major organs as well like your liver, heart, and lungs.
As the concentration of the chemicals goes down your system, your brain nevertheless works overtime. That’s why you wake up to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Therapists at any good-quality alcohol detox program routinely work with participants who report several types of withdrawal symptoms. Examples include building anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, hand tremors, insomnia, and hallucinations. In medically supervised detox, individuals can work through their withdrawal symptoms in relative comfort with professionals monitoring their condition. If the symptoms of withdrawal begin to cause any medical complications, our team is there to help.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
Your withdrawal timeline will vary from someone else’s. Factor in your age, gender, weight, and overall health. Next, consider how long you’ve struggled with a drinking problem. These are all factors that contribute to the overall presentation of your detoxification experience.
As a general rule of thumb, detox might take between four and ten days. Some people go through it quickly. They can move on to rehab right away. Others need more time for the body to regain equilibrium.
How long does alcohol detox take when you also abuse other drugs? Again, the timeline varies. Because another drug adds more withdrawal symptoms and chemical reactions, it might take a little longer. That said, medical detox is a process that closely monitors your progress and intervenes with pharmacological support if necessary.
It’s safe and keeps you comfortable. Because alcohol detox presents some withdrawal symptoms that could be dangerous, professional assistance is essential. For most people, it requires moving to the detox center. Once there, you settle in, make yourself comfortable, and begin the withdrawal process.
What Comes After Detox?
Detoxification programs only break the physiological dependency. It doesn’t address psychological addiction. Therefore, you could still fall victim to triggers and stressors, resulting in a return to alcohol abuse. Entering rehab right after detox is vital to protect your sobriety and continue care.
Treatment paths vary depending on your needs. Examples include:
- Residential detoxification with medical supervision for safety and comfort
- Inpatient care that lets you live at the facility and undergo treatments each day
- Extended care that might last up to 100 or more days for those who need additional help
- Intensive outpatient treatment as a step-down option that benefits individuals who’re near program graduation
- Transitional living that could last anywhere from three months to two years depending on your needs
These programs can help individuals learn to identify the root causes of their alcohol addiction, learn the skills to avoid and overcome triggers, and build a supportive community to help them in recovery.
Reach Out to Sante Center for Healing Today
Because you don’t want to do this more often than necessary, it’s vital to take your time with each step. How long does alcohol detox take in your particular case? Talk to the therapists at Santé Center for Healing to find out. Call 866.238.3154 today.
