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.
Get Help NowSome 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
If you or a loved one is struggling with Trauma &
Addiction, reach out for help today
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.
MEN'S RESIDENTIAL REHAB
Learn MoreSources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243?
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/alcohol