Alcohol Detox in Orlando
During the first several days after a person quits drinking alcohol, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. After using alcohol over time, the body becomes dependent on the patterns and frequency of drinking that it is used to. When drinking comes to an abrupt halt, the body needs time to figure out what’s missing. This phase, which includes painful side effects, is called withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal
With continued alcohol use, a person’s body begins to rely on alcohol. Because alcohol is a depressant, over the months or years of drinking, a person’s brain eventually stops producing natural chemicals that it is receiving from alcohol, which makes them dependent on the drug. Because their body has adjusted itself to the synthetic chemicals, when they stop drinking, it takes time for their body to adjust. This adjustment period may involve withdrawal symptoms such as frequent headaches, fever, nausea, irregular heartbeat and hallucinations.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will peak within the first 24 to 48 hours after beginning an alcohol detox program like medical detox at Orlando Recovery Center. There are many different signs of alcohol withdrawal. During this time a person may experience uncomfortable and painful withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Changes in blood pressure
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Fever
While some people may experience few withdrawal symptoms, other people may suffer from more severe side effects. For example, delirium tremens is one of the most serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can occur within 48 hours after a person’s last drink. Delirium tremens involves confusion, shaking and hallucinations. Although uncommon, delirium tremens can be life-threatening.
Heavy drinkers who choose to stop drinking suddenly may experience a range of dangerous symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the frequency of alcohol use, amount consumed when drinking, length of time drinking, medical history and co-existing health conditions. For their safety, heavy drinkers should be treated by a medical professional during alcohol detox.
Get The Care You Need
Let Us Help You
Alcohol Detox in Orlando
The alcohol detox stage is the first step in treating alcoholism. During this time, alcohol is eliminated from the body. Withdrawal symptoms usually decrease within one to two weeks after detox begins. However, this could take longer depending on each client’s specific needs. After detox, people can focus on other treatments to aid in their recoveries, such as inpatient treatment, outpatient care and support groups.
Some people are worried about getting sober because they are nervous about the withdrawal symptoms during detox. It is possible for some people to go through detox and only experience minor effects of withdrawal. Other people may face extreme pain during rehab, and their symptoms may change quickly and aggressively. This range of symptoms is why detox should be completed under medical care. Treatment specialists at Orlando Recovery Center help patients manage this pain and may prescribe medications for their specific treatment needs. This medication allows the patient to feel more at ease so that they can focus on recovery.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Many people wonder, “How long does alcohol withdrawal last?” While each person’s experience is different, alcohol detox timelines can last up to several days and even weeks. While the most painful symptoms typically decrease within the first week, some of the milder symptoms can last for several weeks or longer. Alcohol withdrawal timelines or guides as to what symptoms a person will experience during detox vary. However, there’s a general outline of what to expect.
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol addiction can arise as early as two hours after someone’s last drink. Six to 12 hours into detox, a person may experience agitation, anxiety, headaches, shaking, nausea and vomiting. Up to 24 hours later, the person may begin to experience disorientation, hand tremors and seizures. Once 48 hours have passed, they may experience insomnia, high blood pressure, fever and tactile, auditory or visual hallucinations.
For the remainder of the first week in detox, a variety of withdrawal symptoms may come and go. This first week is also the timeframe in which the individual is most at risk for life-threatening symptoms such as delirium tremens and sudden mental or nervous system changes. By the end of the first week of detox, many withdrawal symptoms will taper off. Some symptoms may persist for a few weeks, but most will be minor and may be treated with medication.
Even after the most severe withdrawal symptoms have lessened, some people may experience lingering detox symptoms. These symptoms may include anxiety, low energy, insomnia and delayed reflexes. The long-term effects of alcohol addiction can last from several months to a year.
If you or a loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment in Orlando, Florida, Orlando Recovery Center can help. To learn more about comprehensive therapy for alcohol addiction, call Orlando Recovery Center today to speak with a representative.
Medical Disclaimer: Orlando Recovery Center aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.