Detoxing from alcohol is the first step in your recovery from addiction. Detoxing is the body’s natural process of removing the toxins while healing. Although detox is necessary, it can also be dangerous. If you have been drinking excessively for several years, then you can expect severe withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, you may want to seek help at an alcohol detox center in Illinois. However, you may be asking, what are the steps of alcohol detox?
A detox center has everything you need for a successful and safe detox: a caring staff, medication-assisted treatment, adequate facilities, and even holistic care to help ease the symptoms. You are far more likely to complete the program with professional treatment and support.
Steps of Alcohol Detox
Once you check into a center to detox from alcohol, a treatment specialist will perform an assessment of your addiction and your overall health. From there, you will begin the process of cleaning toxins out of your body.
Within the first few hours, the early signs of withdrawal symptoms emerge. A detox timeline may look similar to this:
Phase One: 6 to 12 Hours
Once you get settled into detox, you should start feeling the first wave of opiate withdrawal symptoms within the first twelve hours. Early symptoms include:
- Agitation or anxiety
- Muscle aches or hypertension
- Insomnia or hypersomnia depending on the drug
- High fever and sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Runny nose and watery eyes
Since the withdrawal symptoms are first starting, some of them will get worse. Others are short-lived and will go away quickly. The first few hours should not present any severe symptoms that require medical attention.
Phase Two: 12 to 48 Hours
This is usually the period when your withdrawal symptoms start to peak. Signs of withdrawal may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps or diarrhea
- Chills
- Severe depression
- Severe cravings
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
If you have a long-term addiction to opiates, you may experience health issues that require medical attention. A treatment specialist can provide medical assistance as needed.
Phase Three: The Last 12 to 24 Hours
During this period, you should start to feel better as the withdrawal symptoms begin to fade. Some symptoms may linger. For instance, you can expect to have cravings for several days or weeks after detox. Also, you may still feel anxious or depressed. It is normal to feel this way, so do not be alarmed.
Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Medication is available while detoxing from alcohol to help ease the pain or discomfort from alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some types of medication can also reduce your cravings and keep you mentally balanced since anxiety and depression are often symptoms of detox.
Medication may include benzodiazepines, Librium, Keppra, Valium, or Ativan. There is a wide range of medications available. Keep in mind that these medications are designed for short-term use. This way, you don’t develop an addiction to drugs. Your treatment specialist can help you decide which medication is right for you.
Learn More About Detox at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Are you ready to take the first step toward recovery from alcoholism? Northern Illinois Recovery Center can help. We offer comprehensive treatment for addiction that includes detox, rehab, and aftercare. To find out more about detoxing from alcohol, call us today at 855.786.1978.
