What Alcohol Detox Means
Managed alcohol detox focuses on reducing or stopping alcohol intake, treating any health complications from excessive alcohol use, and preventing alcohol-related seizures and delirium.
Medical professionals will assess you when you arrive at the hospital so they can determine the type of treatment you need. This includes identifying any underlying medical conditions that could be made worse by alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
After evaluating your health and symptoms, doctors will administer detoxification (detox) medications as needed to ease withdrawal symptoms.
During this phase, doctors will continue to monitor your health and adjust any medications as necessary to prevent further complications from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
When the body is dependent on alcohol, symptoms of withdrawal may occur if drinking stops suddenly or when drinking is reduced.
Stopping drinking all at once can cause serious health problems. These problems may include delirium tremens, heart arrhythmias, or seizures.
The process of detoxing and recovering from alcohol addiction is not straightforward. It’s important to recognize that after completing detox, you’ll need additional rehabilitation or therapy to achieve long-term sobriety.
How Alcohol Withdrawal Shows Up
Alcohol withdrawal shows up as body and behavioral symptoms. Many of these symptoms are linked together. For example, nausea may cause vomiting and irritability.
Body symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Tremor
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Clammy skin
- Diaphoresis or sweating
- Increased body temperature
Behavioral symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
- Delirium tremens
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
- Not thinking clearly
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It causes the brain and body to slow down, and it affects the way that people act and feel.
When someone drinks too much alcohol on a regular basis, their body gets used to it. Over time, tolerance develops. To get the same effect from alcohol, they need to drink more. Then, when they stop drinking or cut back significantly, their body goes into withdrawal. As a result, they have symptoms such as tremor and nausea.
Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, trembling hands, insomnia, irritability, headaches, nausea or vomiting. These symptoms typically begin within 8 hours after the last drink and peak within 24-72 hours. They may last for several days.
When a person stops drinking suddenly after a long period of heavy use, they can experience severe physical and mental changes that can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Seizures are one of the side effects of alcohol withdrawal.
Dangers of Withdrawing Without Supervision
Severe alcohol withdrawal without medical watch can result in delirium tremens (DT), which is a serious condition that requires hospitalization and close monitoring. Delirium tremens is characterized by hallucinations, fever, confusion, rapid heart rate and blood pressure changes, seizures, agitation, restlessness, and irritability. A person experiencing delirium tremens is likely to be dehydrated and unable to take care of themselves, so they must have close medical supervision.
If alcohol withdrawal becomes life-threatening (delirium tremens), you may need to stay in the hospital while you get medical treatment for these symptoms:
- Seizures
- Fever
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
- Irregular heartbeats
Alcohol withdrawal can occur when you are withdrawing from alcohol after drinking excessively. When alcohol is abused, the body quickly becomes dependent on it. The brain develops a tolerance to its calming effects, causing an increased need for more alcohol and the presence of unpleasant symptoms when the supply runs out. These withdrawal symptoms can range in severity from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening delirium tremens. While some people may experience only minor symptoms such as trouble sleeping or feeling anxious, others may develop severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations.
When not managed appropriately, some people experience dangerous complications such as delirium tremens (DTs) or seizures. The severity of your symptoms will depend on how much you have been drinking and for how long.
Monitored Detox Compared With Outpatient Stabilization
Monitored detox and outpatient stabilization differ mostly in the care setting. Monitored withdrawal management is usually done in an acute-care hospital, inpatient substance abuse treatment program or a residential facility with a licensed nurse on duty at all times. The level of medical supervision depends on the level of severity of withdrawal.
Outpatient stabilization occurs on an outpatient basis under the direction of a physician, nurse or other qualified addiction professional. The patient may receive medications and is closely monitored for withdrawal symptoms. Patients are allowed to leave treatment for work or other commitments but must return regularly for evaluation and monitoring by their provider.
Outpatient stabilization fits milder alcohol withdrawal better than it does more severe cases or people who need detox. The main difference is that the former can be handled as an outpatient, while for the latter a stay in a treatment center would be needed.
Monitored detox is often recommended when alcohol withdrawal symptoms are severe, such as:
- Delirium tremens (DTs) or other serious symptoms
- A history of seizures related to alcohol use
- Other medical problems (such as liver disease) that may increase the risk of developing DTs or seizures
- The presence of other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and depression
In some cases, you can be treated without going into a hospital. This includes people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Treatment often includes sedatives to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Usual Timeline of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox usually follows a multi-day or longer timeline during which alcohol is eliminated from your body and you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is the occurrence of physiological and psychological symptoms following the cessation of heavy, chronic alcohol consumption. Symptoms may include sweating, rapid heart rate, hand tremors, insomnia, and nausea. Severe cases may have increased blood pressure, fever, fast heartbeat, fits, or mental confusion.
People who consume large amounts of alcohol for many years are at risk of developing severe physical and psychological problems when they reduce or stop drinking suddenly. The symptoms can be very distressing and in some cases life-threatening.
The symptoms of withdrawal vary widely from person to person and depend on many different factors, including how much you drank over a period of time, what other substances you might have taken, what other illnesses or medical problems you may have had and the strength of any family history.
Medicines Used While Withdrawing
Medicines used while withdrawing aim to ease physical discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. They also make sure you are not at risk for dangerous seizures.
Most of the time, doctors use sedatives to treat withdrawal. Sedatives can be given as pills or liquids through a vein (intravenously).
Sedatives during alcohol withdrawal are given mainly to treat severe signs and symptoms. These include delirium tremens and seizures. But they can also be used for milder symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia.
Benzodiazepines are the main medicine used to ease mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
Doctors generally prescribe these medicines on a schedule and reduce the amount given as your signs and symptoms improve.
Antiseizure medicines may be prescribed if a seizure occurs while you're withdrawing from alcohol.
Disulfiram is not used during detoxification but can be used after withdrawal has ended to help with alcohol use problems.
Moving From Detox Into Ongoing Care
After detox, ongoing alcohol care can happen in one of three ways:
Outpatient treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP). These are intensive outpatient services that provide more support than traditional outpatient treatment.
Inpatient/residential treatment. More severe problems require a stay at a residential or inpatient facility.
You receive counseling during regular office visits. You don't stay overnight at the treatment center. Outpatient programs are generally considered less intense than partial hospitalization or residential settings, but they vary in intensity and amount of services provided. They can include:
Counseling alone - Therapy sessions that focus on learning how to stop drinking and stay sober.
12-step facilitation therapy - This type of counseling focuses on the 12 steps of AA.
Motivational enhancement - A brief motivational interview with a counselor designed to help you overcome resistance to change your behavior.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - This type of talk therapy helps you understand unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors, and learn how to change them.
Marital and family counseling - Family members are encouraged to participate in the treatment program so that they can provide support for recovery.
Moving from detox into counseling or behavioral therapy is an important step toward recovery. These programs help you learn more about your triggers, cravings, and coping skills to prevent relapse. Treatment should include support for you and any family members affected by alcohol use disorder. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can also be helpful.
Your care plan will include treatment for other health problems linked with alcohol use disorder, such as anxiety or depression. If you have health problems caused by drinking alcohol, your recovery may take longer.
Locating Withdrawal Help Through Georgia Crisis Channels
In Georgia, GCAL and 988 can help you connect with an appropriate treatment center for alcohol detoxification.
In Georgia, GCAL and 988 can help identify resources for alcohol detoxification services. These programs include inpatient and outpatient programs.
GCAL professionals may assist someone looking for help with withdrawal, including:
- Providing referrals to local treatment providers
- Providing information on alcoholism and how to find assistance in overcoming the disease
Alcohol detoxification is a process by which a person is helped to overcome physical dependence on alcohol and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This usually involves monitoring by medical professionals and, in some cases, administration of medications.
Alcohol detox in Georgia is typically done under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort throughout the process. This includes monitoring vital signs and providing medication or other interventions as needed to manage symptoms such as seizures or dehydration. In some cases, intravenous fluids may be administered to help maintain hydration levels during this time.
Alcohol withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, and some people are susceptible to dangerous complications. It is important to have a professional monitor your withdrawal symptoms to ensure you stay safe.
If you feel comfortable doing so, you can also try a medical detoxification facility. These centers can help you with the process by giving you medication as needed or monitoring your health during the withdrawal period. They'll also give you emotional support if necessary and provide education about what's happening in your body so that it doesn't become overwhelming for those around you who want to help but don't know how.
Alcohol detox at home is not recommended. Alcohol withdrawal may be dangerous and can lead to life-threatening seizures, so seeking medical attention is advised.