What Happens During Alcohol Detox?

When an individual is used to drinking alcohol every single day and suddenly stops, withdrawal symptoms will occur. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually peak between 24 and 72 hours after drinking has ceased but are known to sometimes last for many weeks.

During alcohol withdrawal, patients can expect to experience many symptoms. Disorientation, anxiety and depression are common side effects of the process. In combination, those may lead to varying degrees of irritability, possibly bringing about mood swings. Alcohol detox can also take a physical toll, as many patients will exhibit shakiness as well as severe fatigue.

• Not being able to think clearly
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Severe fatigue
• Shakiness
• Irritability
• Mood swings

Less common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Clammy skin
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Pallor
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid heart rate

Severe withdrawal symptoms that are sometimes present include:

• Fever
• Severe agitation
• Hallucinations
• Severe confusion
• Stroke

What Happens During Alcohol Detox Treatment?

Healthcare providers strive to make what happens during alcohol detox as comfortable for the patient as possible. During the process, they will administer medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Counselors will also discuss strategies and provide therapy to help patients remain sober. In unison, these two steps will greatly help prevent any unforeseen complications.

• Medically reducing symptoms of withdrawal
• Therapy to help the patient remain sober
• Preventing any unforeseen complications 

Patients who are likely to suffer moderate to severe alcohol detox symptoms should go to an inpatient alcohol detox facility. Medical professionals can monitor the patient closely to ensure complications during detox don’t occur and ensure that the patient is in a comfortable environment for detox. Patients who enter an inpatient facility may receive these types of treatment:

• Routine monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and chemicals within the blood
• Sedation until all withdrawal symptoms have passed
• IV fluids

Outpatient facilities are available for detox of alcohol if the case isn’t severe. Outpatient treatment typically includes:

• Blood tests
• Testing and treatment if necessary for other medical issues that alcohol has caused
• Drugs for sedation until withdrawal symptoms pass
• Counseling for both the patient and family

Outlook For Patients Who Receive Alcohol Detox Treatment

Individuals who are eager to know what happens during alcohol detox should know that each person will have a different experience. How well a patient does solely depends on how extensive the organ damage that has occurred is, and if the patient commits to complete sobriety.

Most individuals who go through an alcohol addiction recovery program are able to make a complete recovery and live a sober life. You can enjoy a similar success story if you’re willing to make the commitment.

If you’re suffering from alcohol addiction, it’s imperative that you see the potential of what happens during alcohol detox treatment away from the environment that spawned your addiction. Treatment will be much more successful this way. A professional alcohol detox treatment facility such as New England Recovery Center will help make your transition from detox to treatment that much easier.

Located in Westborough, MA, the New England Recovery Center has an on-site alcohol detox, ensuring that you won’t have to go elsewhere for aftercare. Your much-needed recovery can happen under one roof. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re in a caring, well-qualified facility.

Come see what happens during alcohol detox and witness that alcohol’s hold over you can be broken. Let us show you how. Call us at (855) 774-0744.