18 Apr Alcohol Detox: Process, Effects, and Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Alcohol detox isn’t easy and not everyone can do it on their own. That difficulty is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals at rehab facilities throughout the country. Most people recover from alcohol withdrawal within a week, but people with severe dependency may experience withdrawal for multiple weeks. Alcohol causes serious changes in the brain, and prolonged symptoms such as sleep problems, mood changes and fatigue may take months to overcome, according to the U.S.

Unstable vital signs increase the risk of complications and can be managed with medications. People who experience severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs may require hospitalization or intensive care unit (ICU) treatment during alcohol. Your primary care provider can advise you on where to seek care for the physical and mental symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It’s very important to seek help if you struggle with alcohol use disorder. It is possible to get treatment and live a healthier life with a better relationship with alcohol.

Drugs & Supplements

Do not stop drinking entirely if you have previously experienced seizures (fits) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) when you stop drinking. Keep drinking at this reduced level for four days, then try to cut down by another 10%. If attending a service isn’t possible, perhaps because you are isolating, you can use this advice on safely detoxing https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-recognize-the-warning-signs-and-symptoms/ from alcohol at home. It is recommended that you taper your consumption of alcohol to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Learning how to detox your body and quitting alcohol is one of the fastest ways to get your weight under control. Alcohol is a very calorie-dense beverage that contributes heavily to weight gain, obesity, and many weight-related health issues.

These fiber-rich foods can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. In this article, we will also cover precautions and other important information to keep you safe and make your detox successful. A community of understanding and empathetic people can help you recover. These support groups require no commitment from attendees, and you can attend meetings online. Light exercise and a proper diet can help you adjust to the detox.

How To Detox Your Body Of Alcohol? Essential Methods & Advice

It’s often easier to turn down a drink when you don’t have to do it alone. It’s possible to develop a better relationship with alcohol and make more mindful, informed choices about drinking without total sobriety. Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation.

But even in less extreme cases – where you only see your drinking as “just above average” – a person needs to be mindful of the dangers of cold turkey. You should get your alcohol detox at a rehab facility or any other location with a medical professional present. Kudzu root is a traditional Chinese herb that has been traditionally used in Japan and Southeast Asia to dull various side effects of excessive alcohol consumption (hangovers, thirst, etc.). However, recent alcohol detox research shows that kudzu root supplements, which are full of potent antioxidants known as phytochemicals, can actually curb alcohol cravings. A placebo-controlled double-blind human study found that participants who received kudzu root drank a significantly fewer number of beers than those who received the placebo. During this initial appointment, the provider will assess your level of alcohol use and do a blood test to check liver function and nutrient levels.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

While alcohol has sedative effects, consuming it in large quantities can lead to sleep disorders[2], such as insomnia and reduced sleep quality. Abstaining from alcohol can help improve your sleep patterns and increase sleep duration and quality. Alcohol detox is often overwhelming for both the caregiver and the patient.

A small percentage of people going through alcohol withdrawal have hallucinations at this point. Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat withdrawal-related symptoms. One example is a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) to reduce high blood pressure. Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term.