Alcohol Withdrawal Duration and Detox Timeline: What to Expect

Alcohol detox is the most important initial process in the recovery process of alcohol-dependent persons. But what is detox, and how long will alcohol withdrawal take? Knowing the alcohol withdrawal period and detox program can make you or a loved one more confident about the journey to recovery.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

After an alcohol-addicted person gets stopped, the body and the brain should learn how to live without it. The withdrawal effects are a result of this change and could be moderate and even life-threatening.

• Semi-general withdrawal effects include:
• Depression or anxiety
• Sweat and shivers
• Headache
• Vomiting and nausea
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Fastening of the heartbeat rate

DTS: delirium tremens in severe instances

The symptoms are explicit and they are linked to a history of drinking, the general health of an individual and the history of detox.

Alcohol Detox Timeline: A Day-by-Day Overview

Stage 1: 6–12 Hours After Last Drink

The first symptoms can be observed within 6 to 12 hours after stopping the consumption of alcohol. The initial signs are:

• Anxiety
• Shaking
• Headache
• Nausea
• Insomnia

These are symptoms which are mild, but they aggravates when it is not helped with medical assistance.

Stage 2: 12–48 Hours After Last Drink

During this time, it is estimated to experience the peak of the symptoms. The sufferers may include:

• Hypertension
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Mood swings

In the cases of worse alcohol dependence, hallucinations or even seizures may be present at this stage

Stage 3: 48–72 Hours After Last Drink

It is the most dangerous time in the fraudulent growth of a person at risk of delirium tremens (DTs) of medical emergency that needs to be treated urgently. DTs may include:

• Severe confusion
• Disorientation
• Audiovisual hallucinations
• High fever
• Seizures

Though not all people go through DTs, they are lethal unless treated in a professional detoxification environment.

Stage 4: 4–7 Days and Beyond

Most people normally start improving on the symptoms by the 4th day. Nevertheless, others might feel sustained withdrawal effects, also called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and it might take several weeks or even months. These are the following residual effects:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cravings
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue

That is why aftercare and continuous care of mental health are the crucial components of a long-term recovery.

Factors That Affect Alcohol Withdrawal Duration

Detox for every person is personal. The factors that affect the duration and severity of withdrawal are various which include:

• Duration and the intensity of alcohol use
• Age and general body health
• Co-existing disorders Presence
• Past detoxes
• Metabolism and genetics

Why Medically-Supervised Detox Matters

Making attempts to stop the consumption of alcohol through home detox are dangerous to the alcohol user who has a history of long-term use or excessive consumption. Medically controlled alcohol detoxification programs are provided with:

• Unremitting observation and support
• Medications to ease the symptoms and prevent complications
• A comfortable, formalized environment
• In case of severe symptoms, medical attention must be sought Right Now

At DeLand Treatment Solutions, we offer an attending, proof-based treatment program in the detoxification procedure that guarantees to ensure your safety and comfort to any degree.

Ready to Begin Your Recovery?

It is hard to quit drinking alcohol, but you should not do it alone. The DeLand Treatment Solutions team will be ready to help you in the painless withdrawal and the initial steps on the way to a healthy life and the absence of alcohol. With the help of medical support, psychological assistance, and personal therapy, we will provide you with our program covering the requirements that are specific to you and giving you the most significant beginning of the healing process.

Visit us Today or contact us at (386) 866-8689. The initiation of healing is one brave step.

The information about the process of alcohol withdrawal and the time clock can be applied in the demystification of the process and in the fear of what one might expect. The symptoms, though serious, are not permanent and with the right support, a person can (and always would) feel better. It cannot be addressed by merely going through a detox process and sobriety can be attained in the long run.