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Alcohol Detoxication

Alcohol detoxication is the process whereby a person addicted to alcohol withdraws from the drug. Alcohol is both physically and mentally active, so when a person drinks frequently and becomes an alcoholic, their bodies and minds begin to crave alcohol. When they stop drinking, they experience physical symptoms as well as a strong mental craving for alcohol. The physical symptoms generally resolve within approximately seven days, but the mental craving for alcohol may take longer to disappear.

  1. What Is Detox?

    • When most people think of detox or detoxication, they think of the period of acute detoxication in which drugs (like alcohol) and toxins leave a patient's body. This period of acute detox is only the beginning of most alcohol-detoxication programs. The period of acute detox is necessary to break the body's dependence on the drug and to help the patient become sober so that he or she can begin the overall recovery process. This overall process, in which an alcoholic learns to overcome his mental dependence on alcohol, is usually also part of detox. For example, if a patient goes to a residential rehabilitation center, the period of acute detox lasts only a week, on average, but patients remain in detox for an average of six weeks.

    What Happens During Acute Detox?

    • During acute detox, the alcohol and toxins leave the body. The body begins to experience physical symptoms because it has become dependent on the alcohol. Minor symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headaches, a loss of appetite, and an upset stomach, usually begin within six to 12 hours after an alcoholic stops drinking. After approximately 12 to 24 hours, more severe withdrawal symptoms may begin, including hallucinations, while the milder symptoms still persist. Within 24 to 38 hours, some patients begin experiencing seizures or convulsions, and within 48 to 72 hours, other patients may still experience severe hallucinations, delirium, hypertension, disorientation and a fever. In most patients, symptoms cease after approximately seven days.

    Drugs To Aid Acute Detox

    • Certain drug therapies may be useful in helping to minimize or eliminate the symptoms associated with acute detox. Common medications include beta blockers, haloperidol, benzodiazepines, carbamazepines, phenytoin and clonidine. All of these are prescription medications.

    After Acute Detox

    • Following the acute detox period, patients usually must undergo additional rehabilitation in order to resolve their dependence on alcohol. This additional treatment serves the second goal of detox, which is to overcome and manage mental dependence on alcohol (the first goal is to break the body's physical dependence). This period can include attending meetings, therapy sessions and classes, all with the aim of learning to understand and cope with addiction. Some addiction recovery groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, believe recovery is a lifelong process.

    Inpatient or Outpatient Detox?

    • It is possible to detox from alcohol on an outpatient basis or an inpatient basis. Inpatient detox involves committing to remain in residence at a detox center for a set period of time. Inpatient detox can have many benefits, including absolute restriction from alcohol, medical supervision during the period of acute detox and access to therapists and other medical professionals. However, inpatient detox can be more costly.

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