Everyone knows that detoxing from opiates is brutal, but it’s detoxing from alcohol that is actually the most dangerous—even more so than opiates. But even though the risks are high, so are the rewards. And thankfully, you won’t exactly be the first person to do it. Take it from a team of sober people who have been through the wringer – it can be done and done safely!
Detoxing in a supervised environment is the safest option for your first days of getting sober.
Here’s what happens. It’s pretty much accepted that there are four stages of alcohol withdrawal, and each one comes with its own specific set of symptoms.
Here’s the breakdown:
8 Hours After the First Drink
Symptoms at this stage are pretty mild. You can expect anxiety, insomnia, nausea, stomach pain and/or vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, tremors, depression, mood swings, and heart palpitations.
24-72 Hours After the First Drink
This second stage is still somewhat moderate, but it actually poses the greatest risk. You’ll experience increased blood pressure, body temperature and respiration changes, irregular heart rate, mental confusion, sweating, irritability, and heightened mood disturbances. In a managed detox, you might be prescribed medications to keep you safe.
2-4 Days After the First Drink
Stage 3 is very severe, the point when you might experience delirium tremens. That means hallucinations, fever, seizures, and severe confusion.
5-7 Days After the First Drink
As you approach a week of sobriety, your symptoms should begin to dissipate. (Hell yes.)
The symptoms and severity of alcohol withdrawal will vary for each person based on a number of factors: The amount of alcohol you were drinking, number of years drinking, medical history, stress level, family history of addiction, childhood trauma, presence of a co-occurring mental health disorder, and more.
No matter the combination or severity of these factors it is ALWAYS recommended to detox in a supervised environment when detoxing from alcohol, because of how dangerous it can be.
During detox, the brain and central nervous system are hit with a harsh dose of reality after being suppressed by alcohol for so long. The sudden removal of alcohol can be life-threatening.
Under safe and comfortable supervision, detox can be the best decision you ever make. Detox involves medications that reduce the effects of withdrawal on your nervous system. It’s a delicate process, and your medical team can make sure you get the right support at the right time.
No matter how far you have gone, recovery from alcohol is ALWAYS possible.
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