If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at They provide a place for you to share your story, listen to other people’s stories, and learn from them. These support groups require no commitment from attendees, and you can attend meetings online.

Why is Professional Alcohol Detox Necessary?

If you choose to detox in an outpatient setting, you should have someone stay with you. Choose a person who can monitor your health and call for help if needed. Using more than one drug or substance at the same time is an important risk factor. Polysubstance abuse can complicate the detox process and make medical care more necessary. In a recent study on alcohol withdrawal, 37% of people detoxing at a rehab facility or medical center were detoxing from multiple substances, compared to only 15% of people detoxing at home.

Impact on your health

Withdrawal is often the most feared aspect of detox — and for good reason. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physically and psychologically distressing. The severity and duration vary depending on several factors, including the substance, frequency of use, and individual biology. Mild withdrawal – Symptoms include anxiety, slight tremors, headache, sweating, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. People with mild withdrawal are usually able to manage symptoms at home with proper support. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that mild-to-moderate withdrawal can often be managed in an outpatient setting.

Can alcohol withdrawal cause chest pain?

• After receiving treatment, people can go home and may not need to leave their jobs or school.
• Medications like Naltrexone can reduce cravings, while others can block the pleasurable effects of alcohol, helping to support a person’s commitment to sobriety.
• Success rates vary, but understanding the factors influencing treatment can enhance the recovery journey.
• Choosing holistic treatment for alcoholism can help you develop the skills that you’ll need to maintain your sobriety throughout treatment and beyond.

Additionally, a diet high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants reduces inflammation and promotes gut healing. Moreover, the disruption of dopamine regulation causes intense cravings and mood swings, as dopamine is involved in the brain’s reward system. The lack of alcohol means the brain is deprived of its usual dopamine stimulation, exacerbating the marijuana addiction discomfort of detox. The shift in neurotransmitter balance leads to heightened stress levels, as the brain struggles to find equilibrium. Overcome addiction with our family support system, and regain control of your life! This depends on the individual and the results of laboratory tests that their doctor may order.

• Doctors sometimes prescribe acamprosate, disulfiram, or naltrexone for the treatment of alcoholism.
• They guide our mission as accomplished individuals dedicated to improving the landscape of addiction recovery and mental wellness.
• Prior complicated withdrawal, heavy long-term use, and poor health all increase risk.
• You might also receive other medications along with benzodiazepines.
• After your first week of detox, most of the withdrawal symptoms will start to wear off.
• The alcohol detox phase can involve  pullout symptoms ranging from mild intensity to life- hanging Withdrawal Timeline.
• Alcohol detox is important because it helps the body safely eliminate alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms, setting the foundation for long-term recovery.

• Only a minority develop severe complications, but it is impossible to guarantee who will.
• To control their outlook and shape their future, a person who’s finished their detox should invest plenty of time and energy into ongoing treatment for their addiction and co-occurring disorders.
• Over time, the brain adapts to having alcohol present, increasing excitatory chemicals to compensate for alcohol’s sedating effects.
• After going through withdrawal and finishing detox, there are several treatment options to choose from.

Yes, prescription medications are often used during medically assisted detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and improve comfort. For example, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed during alcohol detox, while buprenorphine or methadone may be used for opioid detox. These medications are carefully monitored and adjusted by your care team. The average detox period lasts between 3 to 10 days, but the exact timeline can vary based on the substance involved, how long the person has been using it, and their overall health. For example, alcohol detox usually peaks within the first 72 hours, while opioid detox symptoms may persist for over a week. Some individuals may require an extended detox period if complications arise.

What Are The Effects Of Drinking Alcohol Everyday?

Carolina Center for Recovery is lucky to have some of the most qualified and experienced addiction specialists in the country. Yes, the brain can heal itself over time, thanks to a process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or recovery from injury. Begin your journey to recovery with personalized drug & alcohol rehab—verify your insurance coverage in under a minute.

Anyone stopping alcohol should discuss their plan with a doctor and seriously consider undergoing a medically-supervised detox. Medical detox ensures you will be as safe as possible by providing 24/7 monitoring that helps recognize and treat complications effectively and as rapidly as possible. When you constantly have some alcohol in your bloodstream, you will not think as clearly. Many people who use alcohol heavily for a prolonged period often don’t even recognize the perpetual fog that alcohol creates. When you stop drinking, it can feel like entering a whole new world and like a fog that you didn’t even know was there has suddenly lifted.

Social Support and Alcohol Treatment Programs

While staying hydrated is important during detox, cranberry juice does not accelerate the elimination of alcohol from the body. When an individual stops drinking, the brain begins to repair alcohol-induced damage, especially in areas affected by cognitive functions such as memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Yes, alcohol detox can trigger long-term health complications, particularly due to sudden neurotransmitter imbalances. Neurotransmitter dysregulation during detox causes persistent neurological and cognitive issues, such as cognitive impairment, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. If withdrawal symptoms worsen or become unmanageable, seeking medical help immediately is crucial to avoid potentially fatal consequences.

This adjustment triggers a cascade of physical and psychological responses. This helps flush toxins from your system and can alleviate some physical discomfort. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that reinforce alcohol’s pleasurable effects, reducing cravings and the likelihood of relapse.