Alcoholism Detox
Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) at Georgia Sky is designed to safely remove alcohol from the body under medical supervision. We address the physical dependency on alcohol and manage the acute withdrawal symptoms that occur.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction:
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is a chronic, progressive disease that can be mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms experienced.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of alcoholism:
Increased Tolerance: Needing to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects or finding that the same amount of alcohol has less effect than before.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and anxiety when not drinking.
Loss of Control: Drinking more alcohol or for a longer period than intended, or making unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
Time Consumed: Spending a lot of time drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from its effects.
Neglected Activities: Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home because of alcohol use. Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies.
Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to drink alcohol even when it causes physical, social, or interpersonal problems.
Cravings: Having strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol.
Risk Taking: Engaging in risky behaviors while or after drinking, such as driving under the influence or using machinery.
Physical Harm: Developing health problems related to alcohol use, such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, or digestive problems.
Increased Focus on Alcohol: Showing an increased focus on acquiring and consuming alcohol, including drinking in secret or alone.
Recognizing these signs can help in identifying alcohol use disorder and when you or a loved ones needs detox and treatment. Treatment at Georgia Sky includes a combination of therapy, medication, and counseling support designed to help you successfully detox, stay committed to abstinence from alcohol and improve your quality of life.
Summary of the Signs of Alcoholism
- Increased Tolerance
- Loss of Control
- Persistent cravings to drink despite consequences
- Risk Taking and Physical Harm
Home Detox Dangers
Detoxing from alcohol at home can be risky and, in some cases, life-threatening due to the severe withdrawal symptoms that may arise. Here are the key dangers associated with home detox from alcohol without medical supervision:
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal from alcohol can cause symptoms ranging from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications such as delirium tremens (DTs), which includes confusion, rapid heartbeat, and high fever.
Risk of Seizures: Alcohol withdrawal can provoke seizures, which are not only dangerous in themselves but can also lead to injuries during a fall or other uncontrolled physical movements.
Delirium Tremens (DTs): One of the most severe forms of alcohol withdrawal, DTs can occur a few days into the withdrawal process, characterized by severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and high body temperature. DTs can be fatal if not medically treated.
Dehydration: Vomiting and sweating, common in alcohol withdrawal, can lead to severe dehydration, complicating the recovery process and potentially leading to more serious health issues.
Psychological Symptoms: Withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health disorders.
Lack of Critical Care: Detoxing at home means a lack of immediate medical care to treat complications and manage symptoms effectively, which can lead to severe consequences.
High Risk of Relapse: Without professional support, the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and cravings can quickly lead to relapse, which can be dangerous if a person returns to drinking heavily after a period of abstinence.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal can vary significantly depending on the severity of the addiction, the duration of alcohol use, and individual health factors. However, there is a general timeline that many individuals experience during alcohol detox.
- 6-12 Hours After Last Drink: Mild Symptoms begin to appear, which can include anxiety, shaking, nausea, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- 12-24 Hours After Last Drink: Some individuals may experience hallucinations. They might see, hear, or feel things that are not there.
- 72 Hours After Last Drink and Beyond:: Many of the most acute symptoms tend to decrease in intensity over the next several days to weeks. However, some individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms (also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS), which can include mood swings, fatigue, reduced energy, insomnia, nightmares, or ongoing depression and anxiety.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
The exact duration and experience of alcohol withdrawal can vary greatly. Some may go through only mild effects, while others experience severe and life-threatening symptoms. Due to the potential severity of symptoms and complications, medical supervision is highly recommended for alcohol detox. This ensures that any complications can be managed promptly and effectively.
Because withdrawal can be complex and dangerous, individuals undergoing detox need to do so under the care of healthcare professionals in a controlled environment like Georgia Sky Outpatient Detox. This support not only ensures safety but also sets the stage for successful long-term recovery.
Choose Georgia Sky Outpatient Detox
Medical detox is a critical step for individuals with severe alcohol addiction and is most effective when followed by comprehensive addiction treatment programs that address the underlying causes of alcoholism and provide tools for long-term recovery. Georgia Sky delivers these tools through our outpatient withdrawal management and support services. Reach out to our admissions team today to learn more.