Addiction does not discriminate. Who you are, where you come from, your gender, religion, education level, and your financial or professional status cannot influence whether or not you will become addicted to alcohol. The first step in any alcohol rehab process is ridding your body of all traces of alcohol. This means you must go through withdrawal, a complicated and sometimes dangerous process. That’s why a medically supervised detox program is often the best approach to help people through withdrawal.
About 15 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Current statistics indicate that, regrettably, only 10% of them will receive professional rehab treatment. If you are worried about your alcohol consumption or think someone you care about is struggling with alcohol dependence, reach out to Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge (PAATC) today. You can get answers to your questions and find out what starting recovery looks like. Call us today at 844.442.8673 or reach us online to find out how to detox from alcohol safely and how PAATC can help.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal?
Withdrawal begins immediately upon cessation of drinking. The symptoms are physical and psychological, and medical management is advised as they can be severe.
Signs that someone is undergoing detoxification from alcohol addiction include:
- Clammy skin
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations
- Mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety
- Emotional fragility
Delirium Tremens During Alcohol Withdrawal
The most severe withdrawal effect is called delirium tremens (the DTs). This condition can occur quickly, within a day or two, or even up to a week after the last drink. DTs can be fatal in about 5% of cases, and those withdrawing from an AUD must be watched closely. Symptoms of the DTs are:
- Dangerous shifts in blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
- Violent tremors
- Severe disorientation and confusion
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Sensitivity to sensory input (e.g., touch, light, sound)
- Seizures
Any symptoms of alcohol withdrawal occur while someone is under the care of a medical team in a medical detox facility. However, you can rest assured that safety is our highest priority, so our team is on hand to help if there is a medical emergency.
Medically Supervised Alcohol Detox
Once enrolled in an inpatient alcohol detox program like PAATC, you will learn about the treatment offerings, as your team will explain what to expect. You will benefit from their care and feel secure knowing you are not alone. We’ve listed some of the benefits below.
- Harm reduction via medication – You will be treated with specific medicine that can reduce discomfort and risks of alcohol detox.
- Wellness practices – Your team will support you with healthy nutrition and encourage appropriate levels of exercise to motivate you during your first days of recovery.
- Counseling support – You do not have to wait until detox is over to receive therapeutic support from a mental health counselor. Our team will help you process the flood of emotions and sensations that accompany withdrawal.
- Detox in a trigger-free setting – It’s hard to detox at home surrounded by many things and people you associate with drinking. Living in a controlled inpatient detox center improves your outcomes and reduces the risk of early relapse during this vulnerable time.
- 24-hour access to and supervision by medical staff – As you leave your alcohol dependence behind, underlying mental or physical health conditions may emerge. Alternatively, your symptoms may pivot or worsen suddenly. Having medical staff on hand is necessary for a safe detox experience.
Detox from Alcohol at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
PAATC offers professional medical detox that incorporates all the most effective and evidence-based practices and processes. Your comfort is paramount while we ensure a complete detox from alcohol. Once you complete detox, you can enter an inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment program where you’ll receive a wide range of treatments and support. Why wait to start this important journey? Find out how PAATC can help. Call us at 844.442.8673 or reach out via online form.
