Detoxing from alcohol is one of the first steps in recovery and long-term sobriety, and doing so safely is life-saving. When it comes to detoxing, understanding the process, timeline, and symptoms is important to be prepared for effective treatment. Axiom Care is sharing what to know about alcohol detox and withdrawal and expectations during the recovery process.
What Does Alcohol do to Your Body?
The graphic above represents: “How long does alcohol stay in the body?”
Alcohol affects the body in long-term and short-term ways. Alcohol acts as a depressant to the central nervous system, which in turn can cause relaxation, lowered inhibitions, and impaired motor function in the short term. Over a longer period of time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to life-threatening liver disease, cardiovascular problems, brain damage, mood swings, and other serious health issues. Alcohol can also affect the skin and cause rosacea or premature aging.
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?
Generally, the liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one drink per hour, but this rate varies depending on an individual’s age, weight, and overall health. On average, alcohol stays in the system:
- 12 hours in the bloodstream and saliva
- 12-24 hours in urine (though it can be up to 72 hours for excessive alcohol use)
- 90 days In the hair
What is Alcohol Detox?
The process of alcohol detox, removes the substance from the body and, in a facility such as Axiom Care, safely manages withdrawal symptoms that can come with abruptly stopping use. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, so Axiom Care uses medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to aid patients in the process.
How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?
Depending on the history of usage and body type, the timeline for detoxing from alcohol varies. In general, it begins 6-12 hours after the last drink. Symptoms peak between 24-72 hours post-drink and subside sometime between 3-7 days later.
The period where symptoms peak (24-72 hours after the last drink) can be potentially life-threatening depending on the level of consumption, so it is important to be informed about alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:
Physical Symptoms
- Shaking of the hands and body, also referred to as “the shakes.”
- Excessive sweating, even in cool environments.
- Feelings of nausea, often accompanied by vomiting.
Psychological Symptoms
- Increased anxiety and restlessness.
- Feelings of depression, sadness, or hopelessness.
- Heightened irritability or mood swings.
Severe Symptoms
- Risk of seizures, which can be life-threatening if not medically supervised
- Delirium Tremens (also called DTS or alcohol withdrawal delirium) is a severe form of withdrawal that usually starts two to five days after the last drink and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms include:
- Severe shaking and tremors
- Confusion and disorientation
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Importance of Medically-Supervised Alcohol Detox
Detoxing from alcohol can be fatal, especially for heavy alcohol use. Withdrawal symptoms can be extreme and uncomfortable, and doing so at home can be dangerous. Seizures, if not probably managed, can cause lifelong health problems, and hallucinations can cause individuals to act out. Detoxing in the same environment as the alcohol use doesn’t address the underlying issue and can increase the chance of relapse.
Medically supervised alcohol detox can be life-saving and better the chances of recovery since facilities like Axiom Care have certified medical professionals and caregivers to manage symptoms and provide support.
Medications Used During Alcohol Detox
During alcohol detox, medications can be prescribed to increase comfort and decrease withdrawal symptoms. Some commonly used medications for alcohol detox include:
- Benzodiazepines: Often prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures.
- Naltrexone: Used to reduce cravings and the urge to drink.
- Disulfiram: Causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, deterring drinking.
- Acamprosate: Helps maintain abstinence by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Next Steps for Recovery Following Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox at Axiom Care is the first step toward long-term recovery. After 4-7 days in our alcohol detox center, our team and case managers will create a plan for continuing treatment, addressing underlying issues, and maintaining sobriety. Aftercare can look like:
- Individual or group therapy to address psychological aspects of addiction.
- Residential treatment that provides support, employment, housing, and other resources.
Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for ongoing peer support.
Find Alcohol Treatment Centers in Phoenix, AZ
Axiom Care offers alcohol addiction and detox treatment, therapy, and aftercare programs. Our team can assist in applying for AHCCCS and preparing for detox. Understanding the process of detoxing from alcohol and what it does to the body is beneficial for long-term sobriety. Contact our team to learn about Axiom Care’s compassionate and professional alcohol addiction care in Arizona.