Drinking alcohol continuously for a period of weeks or months can lead to physical dependence. Stopping or cutting back on the amount of alcohol you consume may result in uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms. This period is referred to as the withdrawal period. For most, the length of time that you have been drinking and the amount of alcohol you regularly consume determine the severity of symptoms you experience in withdrawal. However, using alcohol continuously for any period and then stopping can result in dangerous withdrawal symptoms. To ensure your safety during the withdrawal period, it is important to go through alcohol addiction rehab treatment, including medically supervised detox.
If you or someone you love needs an alcohol addiction treatment program or other supportive care for addiction, please contact the Northern Illinois Recovery Center staff. We offer comprehensive, holistic treatment options to help people work towards recovery from alcohol abuse. Call 855.786.1978 or fill out an online intake form here.
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What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
When you drink alcohol continuously for an extended period, your body adjusts to alcohol’s effects on your body. Alcohol is a depressant. When you drink, your body works to overcome the depressing effects of the alcohol so that you can stay awake and alert. When you suddenly cut back on the amount of alcohol you drink or stop drinking, your body continues to work in a vigilant state, which causes uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms. This state is called withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Agitation and anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Some symptoms, like seizures, occur quickly after you stop drinking and can be life-threatening. People must get through the withdrawal period safely. Detox facilities are the safest place to go through withdrawal.
What Treatments Are Offered at an Alcohol Detox Program?
Detoxification is the body’s natural process of removing toxins, but the first several days of withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous or even life-threatening. It is also a time when people are likely to experience cravings for alcohol. Generally, a detox program will offer people a safe, calm, supportive atmosphere to go through the withdrawal process. They will be supervised by medical professionals and treated for any dangerous effects of withdrawal. Detox facilities are important in helping people withdraw safely and completely. They also provide ongoing support to get help in achieving and maintaining sobriety after their detox program is complete.
Why Should I Choose A Detox Program?
Some people attempt to cut back or quit drinking alcohol without support. They attempt to go “cold turkey” and manage their withdrawal symptoms on their own, including the intense cravings for alcohol that often accompany withdrawal. Choosing the support of an alcohol detox center ensures that you will be safe during withdrawal. It also gives you the best possible chance to avoid returning to drinking so that you can achieve complete detox. After your successful alcohol detox program, the staff will connect you with the ongoing support you require to maintain sobriety in the long term.
Learn More About the Alcohol Detox Facility at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you or someone you love require an alcohol detox program or other addiction support, please contact the staff at Northern Illinois Recovery Center today. We offer a variety of addiction and mental health programs to support you in your recovery, including:
- Women’s addiction treatment center
- Men’s addiction treatment center
- Young adult addiction treatment center
- 12 step program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
You do not have to manage your alcohol addiction alone. We want to give you the compassionate support you need to work towards sobriety so that you can live the full, healthy life you deserve. Call 855.786.1978 or fill out an online intake form here.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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