04 Jan

   

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol?

How long does it take to detox from alcohol? The amount of time spent in alcohol detoxification can be vastly different for every individual, based on their addiction intensity, the period of their alcohol misuse, and any medical problems they may have. Generally, detoxification can last anywhere between a couple of days and a week or more. It is essential to remember that detox is only the initial step in the recuperation journey and should be supplemented with continuing assistance, such as therapy and support groups, to assist people in attaining and preserving long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.

Continue reading to learn more about the alcohol detox process including the average timeline, what to expect, and treatment options for continued care once the detox has been successfully completed.

The length of time it takes to detox from alcohol can vary depending on a number of factors. On average, alcohol detox can last anywhere from a few days to a week, although in some cases it can last longer.

What is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detoxification involves enabling the physical body to expel alcohol in a safe and regulated way. It is the initial step in conquering alcohol reliance and can be a significant aspect of a treatment plan for alcohol addiction. Detoxification might involve different indications as the body adjusts to operating without alcohol, such as trembling, perspiring, and alterations in blood pressure and pulse. It is essential that alcohol detoxification is administered by healthcare personnel to guarantee the protection of the person undergoing therapy.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Alcohol?

The amount of time required for the detoxification process from alcohol varies depending on the intensity of the alcohol abuse, the duration of the drinking habit, the quantity of alcohol regularly consumed, and any existing medical conditions. Generally, the detoxification process can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week. It is essential to note that the detoxification from alcohol needs to be done with the oversight of a healthcare professional since abruptly stopping drinking, especially if the person has been drinking heavily for a long time, can be hazardous.

Factors That Affect Length of Alcohol Detox

The alcohol detox process can be affected by various factors, some of which may have more of an effect than others depending on the individual’s unique situation. In order to figure out the most suitable strategy for alcohol detox, all of the following factors should be taken into account. They include:

The Severity of the Addiction

The severity of alcohol addiction can vary significantly, depending on the individual and their level of dependency. People who have been dependent on alcohol for a long time may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms and may require a longer detox period compared to those who have only recently become dependent. In such cases, it is important to seek professional medical assistance to ensure safe and successful detoxification.

Medical Issues

The presence of medical complications can make the detoxification process more difficult and prolonged. For example, if a person has an underlying liver disease, it may be harder to rid their body of toxins as their liver may not be functioning as well as in a healthy person. Additionally, the duration of the detox process may be extended due to the complications, as their body may need more time to naturally process these substances.

Co-occurring Disorders

The presence of co-occurring disorders can significantly complicate the detox process. These conditions can lengthen the process as the person must take additional steps in order to treat both the addiction and the mental health disorder. Furthermore, it is important that a person has emotional support throughout the detox process to help them stay on track and cope with any emotional or psychological changes they may experience.

Polysubstance Abuse

Detox is an important step in the process of overcoming addiction, and for those who have been struggling with polysubstance abuse, it may be more involved and take a longer amount of time. Many people involved in substance abuse use multiple substances in combination to get the desired effect, and this can make it difficult to detox from all of them at the same time. Therefore, it is important to understand the different dangers associated with polysubstance abuse and the extended timeline of recovery that may come along with it.

The Program Type

The type of detox program can significantly affect the length of detox. Inpatient programs, where individuals remain at the treatment facility for the entirety of their detox, often last longer than outpatient programs, where individuals can return home in between their treatments. Depending on the severity and other factors of a person’s addiction, they should discuss both options with a healthcare professional to determine which is best suited for them.

Age and Health

The individual’s age and overall health are two major factors that can affect the detox period. Older individuals may take more time to detox, as their bodies have a harder time processing toxins. Additionally, those who suffer from poor health may also experience a longer detox period due to reduced immunity or weakened organs. Thus, it is important to be aware of the individual’s age and overall health when considering detoxification.

It cannot be determined in advance how long a person’s alcohol detoxification process will last, as it can differ significantly from person to person. Consequently, it is essential to seek the advice of a medical expert to figure out the right treatment plan.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Abruptly ceasing or greatly reducing alcohol consumption after drinking heavily for an extended period of time can result in an intense and potentially fatal condition known as alcohol withdrawal. The effects of alcohol withdrawal can range from moderate to serious and can manifest as trembling, sweating, restlessness, irritability, and even convulsions.

When the situation is serious, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, which can bring about hallucinations, variations in mental health, and potentially death. It is essential for individuals going through alcohol withdrawal to get medical treatment to take care of their symptoms and secure their well-being. This may include medicines to manage tremors and seizures, in addition to supportive care to handle any other physical and emotional symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Like most things involved in detoxing from alcohol, the amount of time it takes for a person to go through alcohol withdrawal varies. However, generally speaking, a person may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms in as little as a few hours after their last alcoholic drink and the intensity may reach its peak within the first day or two. The effects of withdrawal may then lessen over the course of a week or more. Below is the general timeline of alcohol withdrawal:

6 Hours

After the last alcoholic beverage has been consumed, it is normal to experience mild symptoms of withdrawal within six hours. However, for those with a long history of excessive alcohol consumption, convulsions have been known to occur after six hours of ceasing drinking.

12 – 24 Hours

A minute fraction of individuals going through alcohol withdrawal may experience hallucinations within the 12-24 hour timeframe. These hallucinations may involve hearing or seeing things that are not real.

24 – 48 Hours

During the beginning of the withdrawal process, a person may experience mild symptoms such as headaches, trembling, and nausea. The intensity of these negative effects are generally at their highest between 18 to 24 hours after the start of the withdrawal and will begin to dissipate within four to five days.

72 Hours

During this period, usually the most extreme alcohol withdrawal effects take place. On rare occasions, mild signs of withdrawal can persist for a period of four weeks. These symptoms include an elevated heart rate and hallucinations.

After Alcohol Detox

Detoxification is an essential part of treating alcoholism, but it is only the start. Subsequent to detoxification, it is important for persons to keep on managing their addiction through a rehab program or a support group to fully recover. Rehab programs can come in many various forms, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, and may involve one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and various other types of assistance and activities. Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs, can also be of great help in preserving long-term recovery. It is essential for individuals to discover the correct blend of treatments and assistance that works for them, as every person’s path to recovery is distinct.

At-Home Alcohol Detox in Los Angeles, California

If you are looking for help to stop drinking, MD Home Detox is here to assist you with our home alcohol detoxification treatment plans. Our skilled medical professionals will provide you with the best detox option for your particular needs and help to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, we also provide medication-assisted treatment plans that can be beneficial in some cases.

Once your detox is done, we can give you advice and refer you to other professionals if you desire to continue with alcohol use disorder treatment. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to learn more about our at-home alcohol detox programs and to begin your detoxification program in Beverly Hills or the surrounding Los Angeles region.