Do You Need Alcohol Detox and Rehab? What to Expect When you Quit Drinking
You know that it’s time to quit drinking for good. Alcohol has control over your life, and you may have lost relationships, jobs and have started noticing your health declining. But the idea of withdrawing from alcohol can be scary. You have probably heard horror stories of hallucinations, seizures, and worse from people who have tried to quit independently. The worst part is that those horror stories are true— withdrawing from alcohol on your own can be dangerous, even deadly. But, continuing to drink excessively is even more likely to cause major health complications and even death. For many, this comes as a catch-22— continuing to drink is dangerous, and quitting can be too. However, the good news is that giving up alcohol for good doesn’t have to be dangerous. Let’s break down the dangers of alcohol withdrawal and how you can safely get sober with alcohol detox and rehab.
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
Suffering from an addiction to alcohol causes several serious health complications. An estimated 95,000 people die annually from alcohol-related complications. [1] Even more alarming: between 2007 and 2017, alcohol-related deaths among women rose by 85%. [2] The following is a list of health-related complications most commonly caused by alcohol abuse: [3]
- Liver damage
- Heart disease
- Anemia
- Cognitive impairment
- Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, etc.
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic gastrointestinal disorders
If you have been suffering from alcohol abuse disorder, now is the time to stop. With the help of alcohol detox and rehab, you can safely and permanently stop drinking for good.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Quitting alcohol on your own is difficult and can be dangerous. Safe, medical detox can significantly increase your chances of quitting alcohol for good. Quitting alcohol isn’t about sheer will-power. Since your body depends on alcohol to function, you can cause serious harm by suddenly stopping your intake. Depending on your level of dependence, withdrawing from alcohol can include: [4]
- Major mood swings
- Severe anxiety
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
These symptoms typically begin within about 24 hours of your last drink. If you are an extremely heavy drinker, you may begin experiencing these symptoms within about 2 hours of your last drink. Symptoms typically last about 7 days.
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The most dangerous alcohol withdrawal complication is called delirium tremens, which can start after about 4 days of withdrawal. Delirium Tremens kills about 4% of people who experience this level of withdrawal. Symptoms of DT include[5]:
- Visual hallucinations
- Seizures
- Profound confusion
- Tachycardia
It’s during these extreme conditions that about 1 in 25 people die from alcohol withdrawal. Supervised medical detox is always recommended when quitting alcohol consumption.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox and Rehab
Alcohol detox is a safe way to flush your body of alcohol and toxins built up over years of excessive alcohol consumption. During medical detox, your symptoms are closely monitored so that you are safe and significantly more comfortable. Avoiding the discomfort of withdrawal can help you stay the course and continue your sobriety and prevent any major medical complications. Here is what you can expect to experience during alcohol detox:
Intake and Evaluation
Your medical team will evaluate your level of dependence during your intake and evaluation and put together a treatment plan for you. Not all people require detox, but many do.
Detoxification Phase
During your actual detoxing phase, you will likely have IV fluids and medications to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms. You’ll be provided with healthy meals, opportunities for exercise if possible, and mostly plenty of rest.
During detox, your body will return to its normal function without alcohol. You’ll have more energy, sleep better, and experience less anxiety. [6] Perhaps most importantly, you’ll feel emotionally ready to tackle the next phase of sobriety: Rehab.
Alcohol Rehab
During rehabilitation for alcohol abuse, you’ll re-learn who you are without alcohol. You’ll discover why you began drinking in the first place and discover healthy ways to cope so that you do not relapse and begin drinking again. You’ll be surrounded by people who have experienced the same struggle with alcohol as you have, who know exactly how you feel, and who can help carry you when you feel as if you can’t continue on your own. Eventually, you’ll build a whole new life for yourself. One where you are happy, healthy, and free from the chains of alcohol. Let’s go over what to expect during alcohol rehab:
A Customized Treatment Plan
Since everyone is different, everyone needs a specific treatment plan. You’ll work with addiction recovery experts who will determine the best course of action for you.
Individualized Therapy
You’ll see a counselor who is experienced in treating addiction. During these sessions, you’ll work through any trauma that has fueled your drinking and learn healthy coping strategies for the future.
Group Counseling Sessions
During group counseling sessions, you’ll work through your addiction with the love and support of others who are experiencing the same things you are. You’ll build new relationships with other people who are sober and who you can lean on for support after your time in rehab is complete.
Holistic Treatment
Treating addiction is about more than simply not using. It is about fully healing your mind, body, and spirit. You do not have to be religious to benefit from a holistic treatment approach.
Alcohol Detox and Rehab in Arizona
Even the most seasoned, long-term, heavy drinkers can successfully stop drinking with the right support. If you are ready to kick your habit once and for all, finally, contact Desert Cove Recovery. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan to help you fully heal and enjoy life without addiction. Contact us today to get started.
Sources:
[1] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2018/11/16/alcohol-deaths-emergency-room-increase-middle-aged-women-addiction-opioids/1593347002/
[3] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/addiction-heavy-drinking#2
[4] https://www.alcohol.org/detoxification/inpatient/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482134/
[6] http://www.eatingwell.com/article/291290/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-drinking/
