ALCOHOL DETOX

Although alcohol is legal and readily available, it is one of the most potentially harmful addictive substances. Most people who have a problem with alcohol will attempt to stop drinking on their own at least once. Seeking professional help can increase your chances of success, lessen the severity of your withdrawal symptoms and greatly decrease the potential for relapse.

The good news is that with a medically staffed detox and a treatment program that is tailored to your specific needs, it is possible to overcome your alcohol addiction and go on to lead a happy and fulfilled life, free of debilitating fear.

CAN YOU QUIT DRINKING COLD TURKEY?

Heavy drinkers who stop drinking suddenly are likely to experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Quitting cold turkey is never recommended because the symptoms can be life threatening. If is important to experience withdrawal in a medically assisted detox. Quitting cold turkey can create serious health issues for an individual.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be quite severe. They often increase in severity over a short period of time, an aspect that often pushes alcoholics back to drinking rather than seeing the treatment through to the end.

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Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:

Delirium tremens (DTs) characterized by severe and uncontrollable shaking, sweating, fever, chills, irregular heartbeat, and confusion
Seizures and convulsions
Elevated blood pressure and pulse
Onset of cold or flu symptoms
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Anxiety, panic attacks

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE

Generally, alcohol withdrawal can be broken down into these three stages. exact withdrawal timeline and symptoms can vary depending on the severity of dependency of alcohol.

Begins 8 hours after last drink: anxiety insomnia nausea

Begins 24- 72 hours after last drink: confusion high blood pressure increased body temp.

Begins 2-4 days after last drink: hallucinations agitation seizures

All alcohol withdrawal symptoms tend to taper off within 5-7 days. With a more severe case, it can take up to a couple of weeks, depending on the intensity of symptoms and other mitigating factors, such as co-occurring disorders. Once the patient has successfully completed detox, they are ready to move on to a recovery program that is suitable for them.

MEDICATION FOR ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL

In a medically assisted detox, there are a few medications that are used to help the individual withdrawal symptoms become less severe and more tolerable. Some of these medications could include:

ANXIOLYTICS

These can promote the relief of stress and anxiety, and also allow the individual to sleep.

SEDATIVES

Sedatives to dull senses, create a sense of calmness, and allows them to sleep. Most of the time FDA approved Benzodiazapines are used.

ANTABUSE & VIVITROL

Antabuse makes one sick if the ingest alcohol, and Vivitrol removes the ‘reward’ sensation from alcohol.

CAMPRAL

Mitigates cravings

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OUR DETOX PROCESS

Not every individual needs detox, but usually it is a vital step into full recovery.

At Peaks Recovery, our medical detox stages can look like this:

Stages of Detox

Evaluation

Within the first 24 hours of admission you will meet with our primary care physician and psychiatrist for a health and physical screening and full psychiatric evaluation.

Stabilization

To address any primary drug and alcohol substance use disorder; including any underlying mental health concerns, requires medical stabilization to ensure every patient’s safety and well-being so that they can focus on their recovery goals.

Rehabilitation

Medical Detox addresses the acute physiological and psychiatric concerns. Like the removal of a cast, the real rehabilitation begins after medical detox.

AFTER DETOX

Therapy After Our Colorado Drug & Alcohol Detox Center

Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is the first step toward recovery. However, the evidence is clear that the longer a person distances themselves from their last use of drugs and alcohol, the greater chance of recovery. At Peaks Recovery Centers, the next step in our recovery process is transitioning into our gender specific residential inpatient rehab.

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Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243?

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/alcohol