Many people with an alcohol dependency know they drink too much, but few of them admit their drinking is actually a problem. They spend a lot of time in denial, especially if they’re able to hold down a job and have a home. If you’re tired of the damaging cycle of alcohol abuse, it’s time you took action. Alcohol detox is the first step toward a sober future. Learn more about it so that you know what to expect when you decide to begin recovery.

What to Expect From Alcohol Detox

alcohol detox center pillars recoverySomeone who decides to stop drinking has probably been thinking about it for a while. He may have had some issues, such as family problems or a DUI arrest. He knows his drinking is out of control, but it’s not easy to quit. When a person grows physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol, giving it up can be incredibly difficult.

Alcohol detox is a necessary part of breaking that dependency.

Detox is what happens when toxic or addictive substances leave the body. You’ll experience some withdrawal symptoms once you stop drinking. They may begin within a few hours of your last drink. Symptoms range in severity and may include:

  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Shakiness
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures (severe)
  • Delirium tremens, or DTs (severe)

Physical symptoms last anywhere from a few days to about one week. After the first week, people will feel better physically. However, they can continue to have cravings or feel depressed and anxious, possibly for months afterward.

Safest Way to Alcohol Detox

Withdrawal symptoms resulting from alcohol detox can be more than just uncomfortable. They can be life-threatening. For people with long-term alcohol addiction, detoxing at home is never recommended. It’s simply too dangerous.

Going to an alcohol detox center is the best way to manage withdrawal. Medical professionals monitor clients and may administer drugs or IV fluids that ease physical symptoms.

Drug and Alcohol Detox Is Only the First Step

Once a person is over the worst of her withdrawal symptoms, she’ll probably feel better physically than she has in a long while. However, the psychological effects don’t just go away. Her body and mind came to rely on the depressant effects of alcohol, and it takes some adjusting for her to function without it.

After treatment at an alcohol detox center, the next thing clients should do is enter rehab. It may be inpatient or outpatient or a mix of the two, such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

During rehab, clients receive various therapeutic services. They must address the root causes of their addiction and learn coping mechanisms that help them avoid drug and alcohol abuse for the rest of their lives.

Health and Healing in Southern California

In Orange County, Pillars Recovery provides gender-specific rehab for young men and women looking to overcome the damage addiction has done. In two, spacious, coastal locations, our experienced professionals provide individualized care to give you the best chance at long-term sobriety. Clinical services, such as Comfort Detox, use proven methods that place your health and safety first.

Our programs include:

You can begin your recovery in a luxurious, tranquil setting where our compassionate staff is ready to guide you on a path to sobriety. If you need drug and alcohol addiction treatment that changes lives, call us today at 866-786-0046.