What is Inpatient Alcohol Detox?
There are many types of alcohol detox programs available in Fort Lauderdale, the majority of which are inpatient alcohol detox programs. These are programs in which you “check-in” to a detox facility, and stay there full-time, so that you can stop drinking in a safe and sober environment.
Your body will go through a process of withdrawal during this time, which can be uncomfortable, psychologically distressing, painful, or even dangerous to your health, so these inpatient detox centers exist to ensure you remain safe and as comfortable as possible as your body cleanses itself of toxins and adjusts itself to be able to function normally again without having alcohol in your system.
Ready to make a fresh start? Call 844-SOBER55 to speak with a treatment specialist today!
Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
The most common withdrawal symptoms that come with alcohol detox include:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Delirium tremens is a syndrome that comes with quitting alcohol for just under five percent of people, especially if you have been drinking in large amounts or for a long period of time. It can start within two to five days after your last drink and can become life-threatening if untreated.
The Importance of Inpatient Detox for Alcohol Addiction
Inpatient alcohol detox is important, as the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can escalate out of control quickly, causing seizures, hallucinations, high fever, aggressive behavior, and even brain damage or death if untreated by medical professionals. During an inpatient alcohol detox program, you will stay in the safety of a detox facility, with full medical oversight, frequent check-ins with nursing staff, and somebody there 24 hours a day to ensure you are safe and comfortable as you detox.
Staff will monitor your progress and will be able to provide you with prescription doses of FDA-approved medications to help you through your uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, dealing with issues such as alcohol cravings, restlessness, anxiety, and pain. You may also receive anticonvulsants.
Along with dealing with your addiction, you may also start a dual diagnosis program during your detox to help with co-occurring mental health conditions. This will involve counseling and therapy, and you may also start taking psychiatric medications so that you can deal with these underlying issues that are likely connected to your alcoholism.
Alcohol Detox Timeline: What to Expect
Although everybody is different, the timeline of alcohol detox follows the same general pattern for most people who are stopping drinking. In general, your most uncomfortable symptoms will peak at around 30 hours, and the worst of the symptoms should subside within 40 to 50 hours after your last drink.
The First Few Hours
Within a few hours, you will likely begin to feel anxiety and shaking, nausea, irritability, and headaches.
Day One
On day one, your symptoms will increase in severity and may include disorientation, hand tremors, and seizures.
Day Two
Day two is sometimes the most painful symptoms will happen around this time, and you will crave alcohol to make it stop. Hallucinations and panic attacks are common.
Days Three to Seven
During this time your symptoms will come and go, and this is when you are most at risk of developing delirium tremens.
After One Week
By the end of one week, the worst of your detox will be over after seven days, although some minor symptoms may persist longer. These can be controlled by medication.
Long-Term
Some people experience a syndrome called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) for weeks or even months after detox, which may include insomnia, low energy, anxiety, and delayed reflexes. It’s important to know that withdrawal symptoms can crop up this long after detox so that you understand what is happening if PAWS does occur. Rest assured this is temporary and won’t last.
Medications That Make Alcohol Detox Safer and More Comfortable
Benzodiazepines – calms the central nervous system, helps with anxiety, muscle spasms, and insomnia
Naltrexone – reduces alcohol cravings during detox and inhibits good feelings produced from drinking alcohol which helps stop relapses from occurring
Acamprosate – helps restore normal brain activity after years of heavy drinking, and reduces cravings
Disulfiram – produces negative physical reactions if alcohol is consumed like nausea, headache, low blood pressure, and weakness to prevent relapse
Inpatient Alcohol Detox at The Healing Place
For inpatient alcohol detox Fort Lauderdale residents can count on, contact The Healing Place at 844-SOBER55. We can help you to stop drinking through our medically assisted treatment (MAT) program, and then move you into a rehab program where we will help you address the root of your addiction and provide you with the recovery skills and tools you will need to live a healthy, balanced life without feeling the need to drink.
Ready to make a fresh start? Call 844-SOBER55 to speak with a treatment specialist today!
877-789-6707
