No two people will experience an alcohol detox in precisely the same way. For most people, however, detox will follow a set pattern. By understanding the alcohol detox timeline, clients and their families can be better prepared for the process. Take a closer look at the various steps in the detox timeline and what to expect along the way. And if you’re looking for a drug and alcohol rehab in Greenacres Florida, we can help.
Choosing to Detox From Alcohol
The very first step in the alcohol detox timeline is deciding to get sober. While this sounds easy, it is actually the hardest step in the entire process of recovery. You can’t approach sobriety unless you make a choice to stop drinking. Once you take that first step, you’ll be ready for a life of health, happiness, and fulfillment.
Stage 1–Withdrawal Begins
When a client stops drinking alcohol, it can be considered the start of the alcohol detox. In as little as six hours after detox begins, you start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Typically, these are very mild.
In many cases, you are already familiar with these initial symptoms of withdrawal. That’s because in a typical day even before detox, you might experience them. When not drinking alcohol overnight, or avoiding alcohol over the course of a day, these mild symptoms can appear. Common early withdrawal symptoms include nausea, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stage 2–Withdrawal Symptoms Progress
After about 24 hours of the alcohol detox, most clients will progress to stage two. This is a time when withdrawal symptoms move beyond just mild, and they can become increasingly uncomfortable.
During this stage of the alcohol detox timeline, some will experience confusion. Others may report high blood pressure and increased body temperature.
Stage 3–Peak Detox Symptoms
The third stage of alcohol detox is when symptoms peak. This often happens around 72 hours, or three days, after the detox begins. This is the most uncomfortable time of detox, and it is when medical supervision is the most critical.
Peak detox symptoms can include DTs, or delirium tremens. This condition is experienced by five percent of people detoxing, and it can consist of hallucinations as well as seizures.
Stage 4–Tapering to the End of the Alcohol Detox Timeline
After detox symptoms peak, they will begin to lessen in intensity. This is the beginning of the end of detox. Symptoms will taper off until individuals no longer feel any of the effects of withdrawal.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Detox
If you’re considering a drug and alcohol rehab in Florida, then you’re probably weighing all your options. While there are plenty of great detox facilities to choose from, make sure you look for detox programs that offer all of the following:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- 24/7 supervision and a sober environment
- Group therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Aftercare options and relapse prevention training
By understanding the alcohol detox timeline, you’ll be better able to plan for recovery. With the right medically supervised detox, you can overcome alcohol addiction and work toward a life filled with sobriety, health, and lasting happiness.