The Challenges of Alcohol Detox

Last Updated: Sep 20th 2019

Reviewed by Brittany Polansky, MSW, LCSW

Because alcohol is legal, many people underestimate its addictive power. We also tend to neglect just how challenging withdrawal from it can be.

What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from alcohol can be incredibly challenging. Detox involves many physical and mental symptoms including:

  • Anxiety
  • Shakiness and tremors
  • Sweating and fever
  • Seizures
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations
  • Vomiting
  • Accelerated heart rate

While a person’s experiences may vary, for a person addicted to abusing alcohol these symptoms may begin to set in as early as six hours after their last drink. The withdrawal is at its worst for the next twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Then it begins to subside over the next seven days.

 

The Benefits of Medically-Supervised Alcohol Detox

Many people fail to recognize just how challenging alcohol is to clean up from for some addicts. It’s been estimated that around fifteen percent of the population has had some degree of alcohol dependence. Of those who attempt to go sober, half will develop withdrawal symptoms and of these about four percent will have severe symptoms.

Successfully dealing with alcohol dependence is best achieved through the help of medical professionals who can recognize the withdrawal symptoms. There is also South Florida alcohol treatment, which can help with not only the detox, but also help you with what comes next. Developing a strategy and new coping skills is really important. There are small changes you can make (such as keeping a glass of water to keep your hands full when a bottle feels absent) but larger changes also need made. A person with alcohol dependency needs to look at their life and find sources that lead to their addiction. Experienced therapists and support groups can help here. They can also help you develop new strategies for dealing with triggers.

If you think you may be dependent on alcohol, please give us a call at (855) 425-4846.

Reviewed for Medical & Clinical Accuracy by Brittany Polansky, MSW, LCSW

Brittany has been working in behavioral health since 2012 and is the Assistant Clinical Director at our facility. She is an LCSW and holds a master’s degree in social work. She has great experience with chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health diagnoses as well as various therapeutic techniques. Brittany is passionate about treating all clients with dignity and respect, and providing a safe environment where clients can begin their healing journey in recovery.