Alcohol is a tricky substance. Legally marketed to individuals by pop stars and athletes alike, alcohol’s addictive nature is often downplayed. Individuals need to be aware that the substances they are consuming can become addictive when misused and can cause an individual to go through withdrawal symptoms. If you are suffering from alcoholism and need detox, you may be looking for more information on the timeline for alcohol detox.
At Coachella Valley Recovery Center, we work with clients to develop long-term goals for sobriety based on their needs as a client. Through multiple pathways for success, we provide our clients with extensive holistic health options and growth opportunities in both individualized counseling and group therapy.
Contact Coachella Valley Recovery Center today to learn more about how our drug detox center near Palm Springs can help you overcome your alcoholism.
Is Alcohol Addictive?
Alcohol has the potential to be an extremely addictive substance. Identifying the line between problematic drinking and addiction can also be challenging. When it comes to distinguishing between a problematic relationship with a substance and an addiction, it comes down to an individual’s ability to stop. Individuals who are truly addicted to alcohol, which is possible, are simply unable to stop drinking, no matter how much they may want to stop. They will experience withdrawal symptoms and may even experience other post-use health issues. An individual who is only a problematic drinker will be able to stop drinking when they make that decision, and though they may experience some initial withdrawal symptoms, they will not go through withdrawal.
Can Alcohol Cause Withdrawal?
Alcohol can cause withdrawal. Addiction to alcohol and even problematic drinking can cause issues for individuals when they stop drinking. While not all alcohol withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable and cause setbacks and relapses for individuals struggling with addiction.
When an individual is addicted to alcohol, the body begins to change and accept the presence of the intoxicating substance as a standard. The body goes through withdrawal when the standard is altered. For an addict, that is to stop drinking. An individual typically has about six hours prior to the onset of withdrawal symptoms following drinking.
What are Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol?
Alcohol can cause several withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe and common to rare. The most common symptoms are often mild and do not require hospitalization. Common withdrawal symptoms of alcohol include “anxiety or nervousness, depression, fatigue, irritability, jumpiness or shakiness, mood swings, nightmares, and not thinking clearly.” These typical symptoms can be uncomfortable but typically peak within 72 hours. Clients who are experiencing withdrawal may also experience “sweating, clammy skin, enlarged pupils, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, pallor, rapid heart rate, and tremor of the hands or other body parts.”
More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are typically also rarer. Individuals who experience an uptick in symptoms after 24 hours as opposed to a decrease or plateau may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms called delirium tremens. Individuals who experience delirium tremens may show signs of agitation, fear, hallucinations, seizures, and severe confusion. An individual experiencing these symptoms when withdrawing from alcohol should seek medical support for monitoring at a minimum.
What is the Timeline for Alcohol Detox?
The timeline for alcohol detox can vary based on the individual’s progression through the withdrawal symptoms. An individual with mild and common symptoms will typically successfully withdraw from alcohol in about a week following their last drink. Symptoms typically peak within 24-72 hours. However, individuals can experience long-term withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression for months after withdrawal.
If an individual’s symptoms spike and evolve into delirium tremens, they can last seven or more days, with long-term symptoms lasting 3-6 months.
How to Find an Alcohol Detox Program in Southern California
Comprehensive alcohol detox programs in Southern California offer multiple options for successful addiction treatment. For example, at our facility, Coachella Valley Recovery Center, individuals have the opportunity to go through withdrawal under the care of a medical professional who can monitor symptoms and ensure safety and health throughout the process. Additionally, clients can enter our treatment program following alcohol detox and start with our Palm Springs residential inpatient program.
We believe in creating an environment that promotes safety, health, and well-being. We offer multiple pathways to success at our comprehensive addiction treatment facility. Our clients can achieve their sobriety goals through alternative and traditional holistic treatments.
Learn more about the alcohol detox program at our premier drug rehab near Palm Springs today.
