Alcoholism is a problem that adversely affects many people. This type of addiction has the ability to disrupt lives and tear apart families. Unfortunately, alcohol use disorder is a common problem in the U.S. for millions of people.For some people, the decision to quit drinking is the best life decision that they can make.
However, when an alcohol use disorder is severe, people can experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking. That’s why it may be necessary for people with an advanced alcohol use disorder to enroll in an alcohol detox program. At Memphis Recovery Centers, our alcohol addiction treatment center gives people in our care the support and encouragement that they may need. If your drinking has escalated and is out of your control, our team can help.
Effects of Alcoholism
Alcohol addiction affects the brain and the central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant that causes the brain to block signals between the brain cells. This is why people act differently when they are intoxicated. When people drink regularly, their brains begin to adjust by over-responding to the neurotransmitters due to the lack of brain signals. However, the brain will continue to do this even after people stop drinking, which results in the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms people may experience.
Other organs that are negatively affected by alcoholism include:
- Brain
- Liver
- Heart
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Stomach
How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome affects everyone differently, but the alcohol detox timeline is very similar. The severity of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors such as how long you have been drinking, how much you drank, your medical condition, and so on. Generally speaking, the timeline for alcohol detox is separated into three stages.
Stage 1 – Mild Symptoms
Mild symptoms will arise within about six to eight hours of the alcohol detox process at Memphis Recovery Centers. These symptoms include fairly minuscule physical disturbances, as well as changes in behavior and mood. Some people in treatment compare symptoms to those of a hangover, so it is essential not to look past them. For an individual that has consumed a lot of alcohol for a substantial amount of time, it is crucial to address these symptoms.
Mild symptoms may include:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Convulsions or tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Insomnia
- Profuse sweating
- Shakiness
Stage 2 – Moderate Symptoms
As the withdrawal symptoms from stage one of the alcohol detox begin to alleviate, the symptoms of the second stage will start to take place. The second stage of withdrawal is more serious and typically occurs within twelve to twenty-four hours of the last drink. However, it can take as long as three days for these symptoms to settle in.
Moderate symptoms may include:
- Higher blood pressure
- Respiration
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or irritability
- Sweating
Stage 3 – Severe Symptoms
Patients tend to experience severe symptoms between forty-eight to seventy-two hours into detoxification. The most severe effects include delirium tremens and seizures. One of the most dangerous aspects of these effects is that they can occur without a warning sign.
Severe symptoms may include:
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Elevated heart rate
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Agitation
Once you pass the one-week mark of alcohol detox at Memphis Recovery Centers, the symptoms will begin to subside and taper off in severity. You may still experience some issues, but they won’t be as challenging.
Alcohol Detox Could Be the Key to Your Recovery
It’s critical to go through withdrawal with certified alcohol abuse counseling to ensure your safety and comfort. At Memphis Recovery Centers, we will help create an individualized detox plan for you. Our team of compassionate and qualified professionals is experienced in dealing with your type of issue.
Don’t be brought down in life by alcohol addiction. You can find the help you need to overcome your addiction now that you understand how long it takes to detox from alcohol. Reach out for quality rehab by calling us at 901-272-7751. We’ll get you on the road to a healthier life.
