For many people living with alcohol addiction, detox and recovery can be overwhelming. Many people may try to stop drinking at home. Quitting cold turkey, unfortunately, can lead to overdose, seizures, and alcohol poisoning as well as other drug use. While alcohol may seem more benign than other drugs because it’s legal and accessible, alcohol withdrawal can be incredibly dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal is most safely and successfully treated with alcohol detox through an addiction treatment program.
Inpatient detox is often vital to the recovery process as it can bridge the gap between alcohol rehab with a clear mindset. Serenity Grove Recovery is a family-owned addiction treatment center in Athens, GA. We provide individualized, comprehensive care for alcohol detox and withdrawal. Learn more about our inclusive programs today by calling our staff at 844.904.3485 to learn how Serenity Grove can help you.
What is Alcohol Detox?
During alcohol detox, the body will rid itself of harmful substances due to alcohol abuse with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable. However an inpatient alcohol detox can help safely manage these withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows messages from the brain to the body. This is why driving under the influence impairs judgment and reflexes. When a person stops drinking, the brain has to readjust. Withdrawal occurs when the brain and body become dependent on substances like alcohol. Over time, regular alcohol consumption can change a person’s brain chemistry. As this happens, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol for certain chemicals it no longer produces. When alcohol leaves the bloodstream, the brain triggers withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Slow motor skills
- Erratic behavior
- Confusion
- Alcohol cravings
- Irate behavior
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Anxiety
- Craving alcohol
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
Withdrawal can be frightening for those detoxing and their loved ones. For some, withdrawal psychosis can cause self-harming behavior, or cause people to become a danger to others. During withdrawal, the brain craves more alcohol, often overriding personal willpower. Because of this, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. It is always advised to seek treatment from an alcohol detox center like Serenity Grove Recovery to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
What To Expect During Alcohol Detox in Georgia
Not far from the University of Georgia, Serenity Grove Recovery’s family-run alcohol detox center provides a range of services for long-term alcohol recovery. Our medically assisted detox programs provide 24/7 monitoring of fluids, electrolytes, and vitals. Alcohol dehydrates the body, therefore fluid replacement and electrolyte balance is crucial during detox.
With both resident and outpatient programs, our staff tailors medical and psychological care to each person’s needs. Our alcohol detox programs include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
We know everyone’s journey through recovery is unique. By pairing traditional and alternative therapies with medically assisted detox, our team treats dual diagnosis for effective holistic healing. We provide support for a range of co-occurring disorders, from depression to bipolar disorder.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
The duration of alcohol detox varies from person to person, depending on several factors. Generally, the detox process can last from a few days to over a week. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:
Early Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as two hours after the last drink. These early symptoms are often mild but can quickly become severe.
Peak Symptoms: The most intense withdrawal symptoms usually occur between 24 to 72 hours after the last drink. This period can include severe symptoms such as shaking, hallucinations, and seizures.
Subsiding Symptoms: After the peak, many symptoms begin to lessen. This generally happens within five to seven days after stopping drinking.
Prolonged Symptoms: Some symptoms, like changes in sleep patterns, mood swings, and low energy levels, can last for weeks or even months. This is often referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
The exact duration and severity of detox depend on factors like the length and intensity of alcohol use, the presence of co-occurring mental health or medical conditions, age, and overall health.
Benefits of Alcohol Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal
Professional alcohol detox programs are the safest way to recover from alcohol dependency. Benefits of alcohol detox programs include:
- Reduced risk of reuse
- Fewer alcohol-related health problems
- Therapies to uncover the root of addiction
- Coping strategies for stress and addiction triggers
- Improved communication through group and family therapy
- Improved physical and mental health
- Diagnosis of underlying mental health disorders
- Lifelong compassionate support
Today, nearly half of people living with addiction also have underlying mental health disorders. Some may self-medicate to manage their mental health. Dual diagnosis treatment and comprehensive therapy can help clients understand their needs and treat their mental health with drugs or alcohol.
Begin Alcohol Detox in Georgia Today!
Steps towards addiction recovery can be difficult. At Serenity Grove Recovery, we understand. Our family-run Athens, GA programs are ready to support you with long-term care that meets your individual needs. Learn more today. Let Serenity Grove help you thrive. Call us at 844.904.3485 to speak with an intake specialist or verify your insurance now.
