Detoxing can be dangerous. Find out how Horizon Treatment Services can help you detox from alcohol safely.
Alcohol withdrawal is the physical and mental symptoms one experiences when they have cut back or stopped drinking alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms usually only occur if one drinks heavily for weeks, months, or years.
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The timeline for alcohol withdrawal is usually:2
Delirium tremens, or DTs, are severe symptoms caused by detox from alcohol. DTs usually start around 2 to 3 days after the individual stops drinking. The symptoms can also last 2 or 3 days but may linger longer. If untreated, delirium tremens can cause a heart attack, stroke, or even death.5
Your detox from alcohol experience is determined by the severity of your drinking history and the severity of the symptoms. People can sometimes be treated at home, while others require hospitalization or a medically stable environment. The first step to determining the safest and most effective detox method is to contact a medical provider.
Inpatient detox means living at a hospital or facility while you detox. Going through alcohol detox in a facility is usually the safest option. This is because you are medically monitored and provided with round-the-clock staff. Inpatient detox facilities also have medical professionals who can provide medication management to alleviate symptoms.6
Typical inpatient detox from alcohol programs can be between 3 to 7 days and depend on the withdrawal symptoms’ severity. After the detox, a person may go to an inpatient or residential program to continue treatment.
These programs may last anywhere from 30 days to 1 year. Besides the actual process of detoxing from alcohol, these programs may also include a wide range of services, such as:
Many people are not advised to detox from alcohol at home due to the increased risk of medical complications that can arise during alcohol detox. But in some circumstances, it may be the only option. In this case, it is important to take steps to make sure you are detoxing safely.
You may already be on prescription medication and should continue taking them unless your doctor otherwise specifies it. To help manage withdrawal symptoms, you may also get prescribed medications while you detox.
The common medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms are benzodiazepines. These medications help prevent withdrawal symptoms and delirium tremens.7
Detoxing at home causes the potential for relapse due to the availability of alcohol. If you have alcohol stored in your home, remove it before detoxing. This may include alcohol-based items like rubbing alcohol, mouthwash, and vanilla extract. You will be less tempted to drink once the discomfort from the withdrawal starts to occur.
While having support is important, limiting or ending contact with people you used to drink with or who may put you at risk for drinking again is crucial. Following these steps and monitoring any severe symptoms can help you detox safely at home.
At Horizon Treatment Services, we aim to help guide you on your path to recovery and living without substances. We provide various detox, residential, and treatment programs for all walks of life. Our highly trained staff creates a safe and supportive environment to help you through detox and your transition into a life of recovery.
The detox programs at Horizon Treatment Services allow you to detox from alcohol in a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment. To find out more about our programs, contact us at 510.582.2100 or email at contact@hsimail.org.
