The Blanchard Institute
How You Can Detox From Alcohol
Alcohol and Detox
Alcohol is a substance that impacts your body by triggering GABA receptors in your brain. These receptors have a variety of actions, but they are particularly crucial in slowing biological systems and lowering anxiety.
When someone consumes alcohol for an extended period, the brain responds by decreasing the amount of GABA receptors and their sensitivity. This indicates that when alcohol is no longer present in the bloodstream, there are insufficient GABA receptors for the brain to function normally. This causes withdrawal symptoms, which a person will endure until the brain adjusts to the lack of alcohol.
Why Choose Us for Your Outpatient Alcohol Detox
There are many reasons why you should choose us for your outpatient alcohol detox. We offer a variety of detox treatments, including medical care and group therapy. We have a team that is highly qualified to help you on your journey to recovery. You are at the right place to get the help you need to start your healing journey. Give The Blanchard Institute a call today. Our team of experts is there to help you get started. We have been on this journey many times before and understand what you are going through. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.
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Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal
While the timetable for alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are commonly classified into three stages:
Stage 1
6-12 hours: Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually begin six to eight hours after the last drink. The alcohol level in the brain falls below the normal threshold, resulting in minor withdrawal symptoms at first. Insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, and nausea are possible side affects you might expect to experience if you have an alcohol addiction.
Stage 2
12-48 hours: If the withdrawal from alcohol is mild, symptoms may begin to resolve within this time frame. However, this time frame will also bring symptoms such as high fever, quick breathing, fast heart rate or raised blood pressure, and a worsening of stage one symptoms to the individuals with more serious withdrawal symptoms.
Stage 3
48-72 hours: The most dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal might occur at this stage. One of the most serious probable side effects currently is delirium tremens (DT). Forgetting what you are doing, agitations, hallucinations, and shaking are all things you might experience in this stage of withdrawal. DT also raises your chances of having seizures throughout this stage.
Is It Possible to Die from Alcohol Withdrawal?
Shockingly, alcohol withdrawal is one of the deadliest drug withdrawals. In fact, you are more likely to die from it than from substances like heroin or methamphetamine.
Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely harmful if symptoms grow acute since it raises the risk of seizures. Because GABA receptors naturally lower the likelihood of a seizure happening, low GABA levels increase the likelihood of seizures occurring. Seizures can be dangerous, especially if you are alone.
Another serious risk is delirium tremens (DT). DT raises the risk of seizures, hallucinations, and uncontrollable agitation. DT raises the danger of harm not only to the individual withdrawing but also to those around them. According to statistics, more than one-third of patients with DT who do not receive therapy will die.
Alcohol Detoxification at Home
Because the withdrawal from alcohol can be so severe, it is not recommended that you attempt to detox on your own. You should seek assistance from our outpatient detoxification services to help you get through the withdrawals and send help to your home when needed. We understand that detoxing in your home environment is important to some of our patients. However, it needs to be done with medical professionals to ensure your safety.
We have many tactics that we can use to help with the symptoms, such as medications. Our team of experts has helped 1000s of people like you get off alcohol and start living a better life.
However, there are some things you should know to help you prepare for the process.
Have Lots of Water on Hand
During detox from alcohol, water is essential. You want to be hydrated to help flush out the toxins. You will most likely sweat more during detox. Thus, water replacement is critical. Your body is undergoing a lot through detox, and you need your kidneys to stay healthy. The more water, the better.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Your diet can give you the nutrients you require for good health. Detox from alcohol will put a strain on your body, and eating good, nutritious meals can help you cope with the burden. During withdrawal, avoid sugary foods and eat substantial balanced meals.
Take Vitamins and Supplements.
Alcohol depletes your body of essential vitamins, many of which are essential for your health. Taking the vitamins and supplements during your detox process will assist in restoring the deficiencies produced by alcohol consumption, enhancing your ability to cope with withdrawal.
Get Enough Sleep
Insomnia is frequently caused by withdrawal. When you are exhausted, your ability to regulate urges is reduced. This makes going through your alcohol detox more difficult. If you can, try to get as much rest as possible. This will allow you to be better equipped to handle the stress the detox will put on you both physically and mentally.
Mindfulness and Meditation Should be Practiced.
Mindfulness and meditation have been demonstrated to reduce alcohol craving symptoms. They also aid in the process of withdrawal and long-term sobriety. It will help you resist the urge to drink more if you are in a better frame of mind. This will also help you succeed during your home alcohol detox.
Locate Help
Because it is easy to give up while detoxing and being alone might make it much more difficult to fight these urges. Having the help of the professionals of The Blanchard Institute just makes sense. We have tools, medications, and advice to help you get through this tough part. Once you are through the detox portion of your journey, we will set you up with the proper therapy to help you on your journey to full recovery.
How Long Does It Take For Your Body To Return To Normal After Alcohol?
Most people will stop experiencing withdrawal symptoms in less than a week, in which time their body will begin to restore its normal function and quality of life can already improve considerably. Some improvements in sleep occur as early as seven days, and these gains increase in the week after.
What Exactly Is Alcohol Detox?
The alcohol detox stage is the first step in treating alcoholism. During this time, alcohol is completely flushed from your body. Withdrawal symptoms typically subside within approximately 1-2 weeks after starting detox; however, this could take longer depending on the severity of your AUD. From there, you will be able to focus on other aspects of the recovery process such as different activities, therapies, counseling sessions and support options.
Does Insurance Cover Detox From Alcohol?
Most insurance plans cover additional treatment under new and updated healthcare rules. With the continued push for healthcare reform, the number of people seeking addiction treatment for alcohol or substance abuse disorders could double in the coming years. Because that is now the insurance trend, it is now easier than ever to obtain treatment, including alcohol detox.
Of course, you will need to check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage. All insurances differ in the coverage they cover and the types of procedures. Be sure to call your provider to find out more.
