Alcohol detox can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. While alcohol is legal and common in daily social life, it is not benign. Alcohol can be highly addictive, and difficult to quit drinking without added support. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous and unsuccessful without a professional detox program. Understanding the stages of alcohol withdrawal can help people know when it’s time to seek help and treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, do not detox alone. Our team can help. If you’re ready for luxury alcohol detox in New Hampshire, Liberty Health Services gives our clients a family-friendly boutique detox experience. Find out more about our detox programs today by calling us at 855.959.4521.
4 Stages of Withdrawal From Alcohol
Everyone’s experience of withdrawal is different. Withdrawal symptoms may be worse for those with co-occurring mental health disorders, as well as how long someone has been drinking. Overall health, stress levels, and hereditary factors can also contribute to the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
Stage 1: Deciding to Stop Drinking
Deciding to stop drinking alcohol is never easy. It is, however, the most important step in alcohol detox. The withdrawal will occur when the brain and body have become dependent on alcohol for certain processes. Without help, withdrawal can be difficult to endure and manage alone.
Stage 2: Withdrawal Symptoms Begin
Depending on how long someone has been addicted to alcohol, these symptoms will begin 6-12 hours after their last drink leaves the bloodstream.
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Shaking
- Nausea/Vomiting
This initial withdrawal often comes with intense cravings. It’s important to be in an alcohol and drug-free environment to prevent relapse during this phase and to rehydrate. Gentle movement, rest, and healthy food can ease symptoms during this phase.
Stage 3: Withdrawal Symptoms Worsen
During the next withdrawal stage, 12-24 hours after alcohol leaves the bloodstream, a person can experience more intense symptoms. They may include:
- Disorientation
- Hand Tremors
- Seizures
It is important to continue hydration and have proper medical care to manage seizures safely. Someone should not be left alone during this stage.
Stage 4: Most Severe Withdrawal Stage
Up to 2 days after alcohol leaves the bloodstream, someone may experience:
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
- Auditory/Visual Hallucinations
- Fever/Sweating
- Delirium Tremens
It’s important to have medical care during this stage to mitigate health complications and continue hydration.
Like other substances, alcohol changes the brain. It can take weeks, months, or years for the brain the recover after alcohol addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can last several days or months if someone develops post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Also called PAWS, post-acute withdrawal causes symptoms to persist and reoccur months or years after someone stops drinking. This can be discouraging and dangerous.
Start An Alcohol Detox Program Today in New Hampshire
Managing alcohol withdrawal is difficult. Because alcohol is so accessible, relapse and overdose are easy and common. Relapse, post-acute withdrawal syndrome, and the risk of overdose are higher without professional detox. If you or someone you love needs alcohol or detox, call our clinic today. Our luxury detox programs include:
- Opioid detox
- Opiate detox
- Benzodiazepine detox
- Heroin detox
- Methamphetamine detox
- Cocaine detox
- Synthetic drug detox
- Prescription drug detox
- Valium detox
- Xanax detox
With only 24 clients at a time, providing safe, inclusive medically-assisted detox in beautiful New Hampshire.
Learn More About Our Medically Supervised Detox Programs Now
At Liberty Health Services, we specialize in family-friendly, private detox. Within our treatment and detox programs, individuals will find the necessary support to achieve recovery. If you’re ready for the best treatments for alcohol withdrawal, call us now at 855.959.4521 to learn more and enroll today.
