Detox Programs – Florida Drug and Alcohol Detox Center – Summit Detox
Understanding Detox: Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Suffering with alcoholism can take a hefty toll on the human body and if the dependency is able to develop to its fullest potential, it can often result in extreme withdrawal symptoms should an addict ever wish to put an end to their addiction. When recovering alone, the risk of fatality can be quite high and this is why many alcoholics opt to admit themselves to detox centers; simply to ensure that they recover in the healthiest way possible.
Drug detox is the first step in the recovery process and living a sober life. After the actual medical process of detoxification, most enter a treatment program where skills, self-awareness and knowledge are gained to continue to live a substance-free life. Detoxification focuses on ridding the body of the drug of choice and treating the withdrawal symptoms as they appear.
At Summit Detox, we offer medically supervised detoxification. Depending on the substance, there are a variety of medications administered to safely and comfortably step the client down from their addiction. The traditional medical treatment is complemented with a holistic component of diet, nutritional supplementation, and chiropractic therapy.
After extensive study, researchers were able to identify the most typical withdrawal timeline for alcoholics; a timeline that affects 8 out of 10 individuals that are suffering with alcoholism. Below, you will find further information on the three steps of alcohol withdrawal, as well as what they involve and what an addict can expect to experience when detoxing outside of a rehab clinic.
Detox: Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Step One – The initial struggle
This step often includes a range of unwanted side effects that can include abdominal pain and headaches physically; as well as anxiety, nausea, insomnia and stomach cramps. This is because of the body reacting to the lack of alcohol – a substance that over time, it would have learned to rely on and cope with. This stage can usually occur roughly 8 hours after the last drink was consumed and it can continue for up to 48 hours.
Step Two – The metabolism suffers
Over time, the human bodies’ dependency can spread until the presence of alcoholic substances becomes a staple requirement for the metabolism. When no longer providing this seemingly vital ingredient, the metabolism can begin to suffer and as a result, it can struggle to maintain regular bodily functions and activities. These can include consequences such as a higher blood pressure, a greater body temperature (which can sometimes be fatal), infrequent heart beats and mental confusion – all of which can occur between 48 and 72 hours of detoxing.
Step Three – The final step
This stage is possibly the most important, as it will often make or break an addicts efforts. In the worst cases, the body can actually shut down and result in fatality – and this is why medical experts recommend coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms under the careful guidance and support of a rehab center. Hallucinations, aggression, high fever, agitation and seizures can occur – with the latter being the most common cause of death in recovering alcoholics. These symptoms can start from roughly 72 hours onward.
The aforementioned symptoms can combine, or take place individually, for up to 10 days – with the average withdrawal symptoms starting to subside in roughly 5 to 7 days. This is the most important time and for those suffering with an addiction, it can be far more beneficial to admit themselves to an alcohol rehab clinic to ensure that they receive the optimum care and attention