Nearly 15 million Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder. With such high figures, the chances of you or are loved one being affected are high. But how can you change your relationship with alcohol?
If you’re preparing to withdraw from alcohol, you might be apprehensive about what will happen. Here’s what to expect when detoxing from alcohol.
What to Expect When Detoxing From Alcohol
It’s said that recognizing there’s a problem is the first step towards recovery. So congratulations, your recovery journey has started! Here’s what to expect over the next few days.
8-12 Hours
This is when the alcohol cravings may feel strongest. You’ll probably have headaches, sweating, and feelings of nausea, including vomiting. This part is described as the most challenging, so if you’ve got this far – keep going!
12-24 Hours
During this stage, you may experience insomnia and anxiety, as well as having a low appetite. In severe cases, it’s possible to experience visual hallucinations.
24-48 Hours
If you’re prone to seizures, this is when you may have them. Otherwise, you can expect to have difficulty focusing and mood swings.
48 Hours – 7 Days
You’re through the worst of the physical symptoms of alcohol detox! As you may be having feelings of fatigue and depression, it’s time to work on your ongoing sobriety.
Types of Alcohol Detox
When it comes to detoxing from alcohol, you have a couple of different options. Firstly, if your case is mild you could try to detox on your own. Given the severity of some of the detox side-effect, this is not usually recommended.
If you do choose to detox alone, make sure you’ve got plenty of healthy food and fresh water to drink. Expect to feel exhausted and be unable to do very much besides rest.
To ensure you’re getting proper medical care and attention during your detox, medical detox is usually recommended. It can be dangerous for your body to just quit cold turkey, so a healthcare professional can make sure you’re doing it safely.
In a medical, or ‘inpatient’ detox, the staff will monitor your physical health. They can also administer any necessary medications to support the process.
However you choose to detox, support during detox is important. If you can have the support of friends and family at this time, it will make all the difference.
Staying Sober
Withdrawing from alcohol is a vital part of the journey on your road to recovering from alcohol addiction. Once this is complete, it’s time to focus on the process of staying sober.
Recovery can be a lifelong journey, but it’s well worth the effort. Working with a therapist or recovery coach can help you to understand the causes of your addictions. Attending group meetings can give you a support network and a reminder that you’re not alone in this experience.
It won’t always be easy staying sober, but it will give you a new shot at enjoying life, feeling happy and healthy.
A New Start
Knowing what to expect when detoxing from alcohol can prepare you for the rest of your recovery journey. You’ve already started the process, so keep going! A new start awaits, and you got this.
Did you find this alcohol detox guide helpful? Check out our other health and wellbeing posts for more informative, inspiring content!
