For those wondering how long it takes to detox from alcohol, it depends on a number of factors. For example, if you struggled with alcohol dependence for a long time and had a severe addiction, it may take longer to clean out your body. At Atlanta Detox Center, we offer a comprehensive alcohol detox program in Atlanta, Georgia, that includes medical assistance around the clock. Learn more about the timeline and extenuating factors affecting this process.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol addiction treatment starts with detoxification. Our alcohol detox program includes medical detox center assistance to free your body of all traces of toxins. We help you start with a clean slate and leave alcoholism behind you. Detox can prepare you for a comprehensive recovery program where you will learn coping skills to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
You may want to know how long it takes to detox from alcohol. This timeline represents a rough outline based on several resources. Your results may vary significantly depending on factors, such as the severity of the alcohol abuse.
Here is an average timeline of how long it takes to detox from alcohol dependence:
- 6 hours – In the first several hours after you stop drinking, you start to experience minor symptoms. However, if you have a long history of heavy drinking, you run the risk of a seizure in this critical time frame. We recommend coming to our detox center, so we can make you comfortable and safeguard your health.
- 12 to 24 hours – Although it’s rare, some people have hallucinations during this time frame. You may hear or see things that aren’t happening. Although you may feel scared as you pass through this phase, it typically doesn’t pose a significant long-term risk.
- 24 to 48 hours – Minor withdrawal symptoms during this time may include headaches, tremors, and an upset stomach. Minor withdrawal symptoms usually crescendo during this time and recede over the following five days.
- 48 to 72 hours – For the most severe cases of alcoholism, withdrawal symptoms known as delirium tremens (DTs) may occur at this point. Other symptoms include seizures, high heart rates, and fevers.
What to Expect During Your Alcohol Detox
Moderate withdrawal symptoms can last for several weeks. At Atlanta Detox Center, once we understand your history, we can give you a better idea of what to expect during your stay in detox. Our detox center staff remains on site 24 hours a day. Medical professionals can administer medicine that impacts the same receptors as alcohol if you experience cravings or discomfort. Moreover, you may continue to receive medication-assistance during your alcohol addiction treatment program.
Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, causing euphoria and relaxation initially. Your body responds by producing more receptors that stimulate the central nervous system. However, if you stop drinking, both the original receptors and additional ones produced crave alcohol. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Factors That Impact Alcohol Detox
When wondering how long it takes to detox alcohol, these factors play a role:
- Length of alcohol dependence
- Amount of alcohol
- Poly-drug use
- Co-occurring conditions
- Nutritional considerations
In general, if you drank for a long period of time and consumed a lot of alcohol, you can expect more severe withdrawal symptoms. If you mix other drugs with alcohol or have co-occurring mental health disorders, our detox staff will take that into account. Whatever we find, rest assured that we will keep you in the loop to prepare for detox.
Receive the Alcohol Addiction Treatment You Deserve
At Atlanta Detox Center in Atlanta, Georgia, we are happy to help clients recover from alcohol abuse and drug use disorders. Private rooms, exercise equipment, recreation opportunities, and nutritious meals await you at our facility. For more information on how long it takes to detox from alcohol or any of our substance abuse treatment programs, contact us today by calling 844-658-0927 or completing our secure online form.
