What is alcohol detox?
It can take up to seven days for your body to go through the symptoms and side effects of alcohol detox. There are two types of alcohol detox: medically assisted detox and stopping on your own. Medically assisted detox involves sedatives and other medications to help you have a smooth and comfortable detox experience.
If you’re a heavy drinker, quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism. In fact, we recommend that you complete an alcohol detox program, which can be outpatient or inpatient. This way, you’ll be monitored while you detox from alcohol.
Timeline of an alcohol detox: hour by hour
Factors such as age, weight, and drinking habits can affect how a person will feel as they detox from alcohol. Here’s an hour-by-hour timeline of what usually happens.
Hours 1-6
This is the first stage of alcohol detox. You’re likely to experience minor withdrawal symptoms the first few hours, if you feel any different at all.
Hours 6-12
This is still stage one, but the later part of it. In 6-12 hours, you may experience:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea and stomach pains
- Poor appetite
Hours 12-48 hours
Although up to 48 hours is still considered stage 2, more serious complications, such as hallucinations and seizures, may occur. This all depends on the severity of the patient’s alcohol abuse.
Hours 48-72 hours
Stage three may present more serious complications that require close monitoring. In this stage, side effects may include:
- Confusion
- Delirium tremens – serious side effect of alcohol withdrawal
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
Hour 72 and beyond
After about three days, withdrawal symptoms begin to taper off in the final stage, or stage four. The worst part is over.
By day seven, you should no longer have symptoms of alcohol detox, although you may experience other symptoms associated with alcohol abuse recovery, such as anxiety, fatigue, or pain.
Always talk to your health team about any lingering symptoms you experience.
Safe alcohol detox in Houston
We know the process and symptoms of alcohol detox sound scary. But too many people put off detoxing from alcohol because they’re afraid of the symptoms. While alcohol detox can be uncomfortable and even painful, it’s worth it.
Once you detox, you’ll be one step closer to sobriety and ultimately, one step closer to a healthier, longer more satisfying life.
At Mallard Lake Detox Center, our trained addiction specialists keep a close eye on patients detoxing from alcohol and provide around-the-clock care for those completing our in-patient treatment program. If you’re in an outpatient detox program, you still receive a high level of care, as we will provide careful instructions on how to complete your detox. The best way to complete your alcohol detox is at our luxury rehab in Houston, where we offer personalized care, premium accommodations, and expert treatment. To get started with one of our programs, call 936-800-8025 or complete our contact form.