How long does an alcohol detox take?

When it comes to alcohol consumption, infrequent binge drinking or casual drinking often becomes a nasty habit sooner or later. You don't need to be an alcohol addict to experience the signs of alcohol withdrawal. That is a horrible experience, especially if you're not willing to accept that you have a problem.

Alcohol Detoxification

Detox from liquor can start in just a few hours of ceasing your drinking session. Generally, the signs of alcohol withdrawal can take place when you drink too much regularly. So, the onset of withdrawal symptoms begins to form when you abruptly stop drinking.

What Can Happen During Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol withdrawal disorder can become life-threatening when not handled and treated properly. If you drink a lot too frequently, a chemical addiction to substances present in alcohol will occur within your body. Thus, your body becomes dependent on these substances. So, when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, your blood levels and brain neurotransmitters will be in shock.

The neurotransmitters in your brain are being deeply suppressed when you drink alcohol. When you abruptly stop drinking alcohol, what was in your body's glutamate system will rapidly rebound. This will result in an adverse effect on your body and brain. When that happens, you may experience the following:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood swings
• Fast heart rate
• Severe dehydration
• Seizures
• Alcoholic tremors
• Delirium tremens

As you can see, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are opposite of what you usually feel when drinking alcohol.

The Truth about Alcohol Detox Duration

You may be wondering how long you need to withstand the effects of alcohol withdrawal if you begin detoxifying today. The truth is, its duration varies from person to person. Alcohol withdrawal typically begins withi 8 hours after your last drinking session, but it can also take a few days to happen. The symptoms typically last from 24 to 72 hours or may go on for a few more days to weeks. The acute withdrawal phase would be the nastiest of all withdrawal signs.

Factors That Influence Alcohol Detox Duration

Nobody can tell you how long alcohol detox would last. However, innumerable factors may affect the number of days you need to spend for alcohol detox. These factors are:

• The amount of alcohol you consumed
• How long you have been drinking
• How often you have been drinking regularly
• Nutritional considerations
• Your age and weight
• If you have been combining alcohol with other substances
• If you have any co-occurring psychological health issues like depression and eating disorders.

Why Should You Seek Professional Help?

If you are experiencing any signs of alcohol withdrawal, it's necessary to look for medical attention immediately. When delirium tremens are present, your case should never be taken lightly as this symptom can lead to death. The safest way to fight alcoholism and the withdrawal symptoms is to visit an addiction treatment center and allow them to help you. Stop your drinking habit gradually until you're ready to enter a facility because most treatment centers require an appointment.

Also, an alcohol detox is different from a full rehab program. When experiencing withdrawal symptoms, try addressing the root of the issue by getting medical help or undergoing the inpatient treatment. Abstinence from alcohol can be a difficult path to take, but you will succeed by having the necessary education and resources.