For those who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), detoxing from alcohol is an important step in the recovery process. But how long does it last? Let’s discuss the duration of alcohol detox, as well as what to expect during the process.
The Severity of Symptoms Determines Length of Detox
The duration of alcohol detox depends on a variety of factors, including how much alcohol was consumed and how long it was abused. It also depends on the severity of withdrawal symptoms experienced. Generally speaking, mild symptoms can last up to a week while severe symptoms can last up to two weeks or longer.
In some cases, the symptoms may even linger for months or years after an individual has stopped drinking. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms are typically more disruptive in the first few months after quitting drinking than they are later on, but they can still be quite debilitating if left untreated. It’s also important to note that heavy drinkers may experience delirium tremens (DT), which can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated appropriately by a medical professional.
What to Expect During Detox
Typically, the first day or two after quitting drinking will be filled with intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting, sweating, anxiety, irritability and depression. These physical and emotional reactions can range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s substance abuse history. As days go by, these symptoms should start to recede until they diminish completely or become more manageable over time. If any signs or symptoms worsen during this period or linger past two weeks, it is advised that you seek medical attention immediately as this could indicate a more serious underlying condition such as DT or PAWS.
Conclusion: Withdrawal from alcohol can range from mild to severe depending on a variety of factors such as amount consumed and length of abuse. In general, milder symptoms may last up to one week while more severe ones could take up to two weeks or longer before abating completely—although some individuals might experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome for months or even years afterwards without proper treatment. If you are struggling with AUD please speak with your doctor about your options for detoxing safely and finding lasting recovery solutions for your journey ahead.
[contact-form to=”palmbeachrecoverycenter@gmail.com” subject=”Alcohol Detox Blog Contact”][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Phone” type=”text” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea”][/contact-form]
Contact Us:
https://palmbeachrecoverycenters.com/contact-us/
contact@palmbeachrecoverycenters.com
