Admitting you have an alcohol addiction is a big step. When you commit to quitting drinking, you need to learn about safely detoxing from alcohol to prevent complications. Not everyone can stop drinking without adverse effects. For many people, getting professional help at an alcohol detox center is the only way to quit and achieve lasting recovery safely.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand the importance of safely detoxing the body from alcohol. Our alcohol detox center is here to assist you through withdrawal with medication, therapy, and around-the-clock support. Give us a call at 866.516.8356 when you are ready to end your unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
The Dangers of Detoxing from Alcohol at Home
You may be hesitant to enroll in an alcohol detox program. Some people do not feel comfortable with the idea of staying on-site at a residential program. Others may be worried about taking time off from work or having other people know that they are in rehab. Before you try quitting alcohol at home, consider the following risks of an at-home detox:
- Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can lead to severe dehydration, potentially requiring intravenous fluids in the hospital.
- As the body detoxes from alcohol, any existing mental health conditions can significantly worsen.
- If your addiction is severe, you can experience a dangerous alcohol withdrawal known as delirium tremens.
The above risks can be potentially fatal, so it is crucial that detoxing from alcohol takes place under the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol?
Detoxing from alcohol is an individual experience. The length of time it takes to detox from alcohol will vary from person to person. Although you cannot predict precisely how long it will take, some factors will affect how long your alcohol detox may last, such as:
- Age – The older you are, the longer and more uncomfortable alcohol detox may be.
- Alcohol use history – Withdrawal symptoms can be more severe if you have used alcohol heavily or for many years.
- The previous detox – If you have tried quitting alcohol before, your detox symptoms may be more challenging to manage this time around.
While detoxing the body from alcohol can last different lengths of time for different people, the most common timeframe is three days for mild addictions and one week for more severe alcohol addictions.
What Is Alcohol Detox Like?
Knowing what to expect as you go through alcohol detox can help put your mind at ease. Here is a typical alcohol withdrawal timeline:
- The first withdrawal symptoms begin within the first six to eight hours of the last drink, including nausea, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, digestive upset, and rapid heart rate.
- Twelve to 24 hours – Symptoms may increase and include nightmares, hallucinations, and inability to think clearly.
- Twenty-four to 48 hours – The symptoms of mild addictions may peak.
- Forty-eight to 72 hours – People with severe addiction may experience delirium tremens at this time, putting them at risk for seizures and coma.
- Beyond 72 hours – Alcohol withdrawal symptoms start to subside at this point and may linger over the next week or two.
A professional alcohol detox program will provide you with medication to minimize your withdrawal symptoms. While you detox from alcohol, you will also receive therapy to treat co-occurring mental health disorders and help you develop healthy coping skills to prevent relapse.
Get Help Safely Detoxing from Alcohol at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
You do not have to endanger yourself with at-home alcohol detox. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston’s alcohol detox program is here to support you the whole way through. Our professional staff will be by your side to ensure your safety and comfort as you withdraw from alcohol. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to start your journey to sober living.
