How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

Alcohol drug detox is a process best attempted under the supervision of a seasoned alcohol specialist. Alcoholics who have made the decision to undergo detoxification should be commended before being escorted directly to a specialized treatment center for continued care. A proper detox should include medical monitoring and personalized care to help ensure a comfortable, safe, and healthy transition into sobriety. In this entry, we will outline the basics of an alcohol detox to help our readers know what to expect from the process.

“Peace begins with a smile..” 
― Mother Teresa

This is the Beginning

Detoxification begins by removing all alcohol toxins from the subject’s system. While the body works to remove the alcohol, addicts will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will typically begin roughly 6 – 48 hours after an alcoholic’s last drink, and fluctuate during the days that follow.

Emotional Support

Once the withdrawal symptoms have calmed, alcoholics will require emotional support and counseling to help address their body’s alcohol cravings. Medical doctors and psychologists work side-by-side in an effort to monitor the psychological and physical well-being of the patient. Alcoholics typically succeed more during this stage when enrolled in our California alcohol rehab center due to the constant support they provided by our addiction specialists. This stage typically lasts between 2 days to a week.

The Final Countdown

The third and final stage of the detoxification process involves release of the subject by the acting physician. The amount of time between admission and release typically depends on the progress made by the patient alongside the severity of the addiction. When it comes to recovery, there is no black and white; patients are treated individually according to their individual needs and situation. In most instances the detoxification process does not take more than two weeks… though there are always exceptions. 

Success Tips For Alcohol Rehab

Though thousands of people attend alcohol drug detox and rehabilitation programs each year, only a small number are actually able to maintain their sobriety long-term. While rehab is certainly a momentous step forward in combating drug and alcohol addiction addicts must utilize the skills, knowledge and habits attained within rehab to realize the true benefits of sobriety.

Instructions

1     Participate in activities that heighten your self-esteem. While it can easy to simply kill time through movies and video games, these activities will do little to build a sense of self-worth. By making a commitment to a group, sport or volunteer work, recovering addicts are able to develop their self-esteem while promoting positive and healthy social interaction.

2     Let your creativity shine through art. Whether painting, photography or music, art can provide an outlet and even income to those willing to make the commitment. Art can also serve as a stress relief and boredom killer... boredom being one of the more common relapse triggers.

3     Find new friends. If you return to your old drinking buddies, chances are you’ll be back at the bar in no time. Avoid placing yourself in situations that may compromise your sobriety. A real friend will understand your commitment and support your decision. Remember… it often only takes one drink to trigger a full-blown relapse. Don’t kid yourself.

4     Read! Turn off the television and finish that book you’ve been eyeing. Reading regularly will keep your mind active and strengthen your thinking. It may take some time to make the transition, but with a little self-discipline, you’ll be an avid page-turner in no time. 

5     Think positive. Surround yourself with positive people, activities and goals. It can be easy to dwell on the negative side of recovery… especially during the initial stages. By making a point to focus your attention on the bright side, you’ll find yourself happier, fulfilled and better able to deal with the ups and downs of daily life.

6     Keep in touch with your California alcohol rehab addiction counselors following rehab. Having solid support is vital during the initial recovery process. When doubts and issues arise, you can always contact your counselors for a swift kick in the right direction.