When Detox is Necessary for Alcohol

Detoxing from alcohol is necessary when someone has developed physical alcohol dependence, meaning their body has adjusted to the presence of alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms without it. These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include tremors, anxiety, sweating, and seizures. In severe cases, detox should only be done under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort. It is important to seek help from a healthcare professional if you think you may have an issue with alcohol.

Advantages of Assisted Alcohol Detox vs. Doing it at Home

There are several advantages to assisted alcohol detox compared to doing it at home:

• Medical supervision: With assisted detox, a person receives medical supervision from healthcare professionals who can monitor their withdrawal symptoms, manage any complications, and provide medications if necessary.
• Safety: Assisted detox provides a safe environment for individuals to detox from alcohol, reducing the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms or complications such as seizures, delirium tremens, or cardiac issues.
• Comfort: Assisted detox facilities provide a supportive environment and resources to help manage withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process more comfortable for the individual.
• Access to resources: Assisted detox often includes access to counseling, support groups, and aftercare resources to help individuals overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety in the long term.
• Higher success rate: With the support and resources available in assisted detox, individuals have a higher success rate in their journey to sobriety compared to trying to detox at home.

It is important to note that every person’s situation is different and it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

For more information on how our addiction treatment programs can help heal drug or alcohol dependence, please give The River Source a call at 866-294-9331.

How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

The length of time for alcohol detox varies depending on several factors, including:

The severity of dependence: Individuals who have been heavily dependent on alcohol for an extended period may experience longer and more intense withdrawal symptoms.

Metabolism: The speed at which an individual’s body processes alcohol can also affect the duration of detox.

Medical history: Health conditions and previous medical history can also play a role in the length of time for alcohol detox.

Typically, alcohol detox can last anywhere from a few days to a week. However, for some individuals, withdrawal symptoms can persist for several weeks. The acute stage of alcohol withdrawal typically begins within 6-12 hours after the last drink and can last up to 48-72 hours.

Remember, that detox is only the first step in the recovery process and that ongoing treatment and support are necessary for long-term success.

5 Steps of Alcohol Detox 

While it’s true that every person reacts to the alcohol detox process, differently, the steps of alcohol detox typically include:

1. Assessment: A healthcare professional will assess the individual’s physical and mental health and determine the severity of their alcohol dependence.
2. Stabilization: The individual will be stabilized and any immediate health concerns will be addressed during this stage.
3. Detoxification: During this stage, the individual’s body will begin to eliminate the alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms will start to appear. Medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
4. Monitoring: The individual will be closely monitored for any physical or mental health concerns, and any necessary medical interventions will be performed.
5. Aftercare planning: Once the individual has completed detox, a plan for aftercare and ongoing treatment will be developed to help them maintain sobriety and continue their recovery journey.

The length of time for alcohol detox can vary but typically takes 5-7 days for the acute stage, although some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms for several weeks. This is an assessment that we will make by gathering initial information about you and assessing your withdrawal symptoms as they progress. 

What’s Next After Alcohol Detox?

After completing alcohol detox, the next step is typically ongoing treatment and support to help the individual maintain their sobriety and continue their recovery journey. This may include:

• Rehabilitation: Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs provide structured support and therapy to help individuals overcome their addiction and build the skills and strategies they need to maintain sobriety.
• Therapy: Individual or group therapy can help individuals process and manage the emotional and psychological challenges associated with addiction and build a strong support network.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Support groups: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide a supportive community and accountability to help individuals maintain their sobriety.
• Aftercare planning: A comprehensive aftercare plan should be developed to ensure the individual has the resources and support they need to maintain their sobriety in the long term.

Recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey and that ongoing treatment and support are necessary for long-term success. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to work with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

When you come to our facility, we will take the opportunity to learn more about those needs and goals so that we can help you to develop a program that will not only help you to capture your sobriety initially but help you to maintain it for the rest of your life. 

Mesa Residents Can Find the Best Alcohol Detox at The River Source 

Finding the best alcohol detox can be a challenging process, but there are several steps you can take to ensure you find the right program for your needs:

• Consult with a healthcare professional: Your doctor or a substance abuse specialist can help you understand the severity of your addiction and recommend the best course of treatment.
• Research: Look for information about different detox programs, their approach, and their success rates. Read reviews and talk to others who have gone through detox to get their perspective.
• Consider your needs: Consider what type of environment you need to feel comfortable and safe, as well as any additional support or resources you may need.
• Consider the cost: Determine what you can afford and look for programs that offer affordable and comprehensive treatment.
• Check licensing and accreditation: Make sure the detox program is licensed and accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
• Consider the location: Choose a detox program that is close to your home or that offers transportation and housing options.
• Ask questions: Before making a decision, be sure to ask the detox program staff any questions you may have about their approach, facilities, and staff qualifications.

It’s essential to choose a detox program that meets your individual needs and offers the resources and support necessary for a successful recovery. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, as finding the best alcohol detox is an important step toward a healthier and happier future. Our intake team is available around the clock to provide you with the answers to the questions that you may have to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe during your time at our alcohol detox in Mesa. If you have further questions or concerns, we encourage you to get in touch with us today and learn more about our detox and treatment options.