Alcohol Detox

If you are considering quitting alcohol, detox is a vital step in helping you on the road to recovery. The process not only provides a lifeline, but it removes addictive toxins from the body, reducing alcohol cravings and improving physical health. 

Alcohol detox is a commendable decision but can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time or if you have previously tried to detox alone. We’re here to help you understand what to expect from an alcohol detox timeline and the different options available so you can make an informed choice on how to take the next step.

What is alcohol detox?

Alcohol detox is the process of allowing your body to withdraw from alcohol through a period of abstinence. For occasional drinkers, this can be a simple way to cut down on unhealthy habits and improve fitness. However, for heavy drinkers who have become physically reliant on alcohol, detox requires care and support to manage symptoms safely.

The benefits of detoxing from alcohol

Alcohol detox is an essential part of the recovery process, allowing you to focus on your relationship with alcohol with a clear mind. It’s not possible to start this journey with harmful chemicals still in your system, as recovery requires focus and commitment. Removing alcohol from your body allows you to become physically stronger and clear your mind of overwhelming cravings so you can concentrate on your sobriety plan. 

Some of the benefits you will feel include:

Short-term benefits

• Reduced depression and anxiety
• Improved concentration 
• Feeling physically energised
• Better quality of sleep
• Lower blood pressure

Long-term benefits

• Improved cardiovascular health
• Lower risk of developing chronic health conditions
• The chance to start changing your relationship with alcohol for good

Top Tip

While detoxing from alcohol can be an uncomfortable process, the worst of the symptoms should only last a few days. Within a week, you should not only start feeling the physical and emotional benefits, but you will have the focus to start a recovery plan and take back control of your life.

It’s important to seek medical supervision or guidance before detoxing from alcohol because it helps to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, minimising the risks associated with stopping alcohol use abruptly. 

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS)

If you are a long-term drinker who has turned to alcohol in moments of sadness or pain, your body would have gradually adjusted to the effects of alcohol. The body reacts by releasing more and more dopamine over time to satisfy a high. 

To suddenly cut off this supply of alcohol via a detox, the brain and body go into a state of overactivity as they attempt to keep up with this sudden chemical imbalance. This is known as AWS and leads to a range of withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Disorientation and confusion
• Anxiety and depression
• Reduced cognitive function
• Memory loss

Delirium Tremens

Depending on the levels of alcohol in your system and the duration of your drinking, you may suffer severe and dangerous reactions such as seizures or Delirium Tremens (DTs). DTs are a rapid onset of mental or nervous system changes that can occur when you withdraw from alcohol too abruptly, and the body goes into shock. This appears as any of the following symptoms:

• Profound confusion
• Autonomic hyperactivity
• Cardiovascular collapse

Severe symptoms are most likely to occur if you attempt alcohol detox without professional guidance, and DTs can be fatal if not addressed by a health professional. 

In less extreme cases or with the aid of medication, you may just feel slight discomfort while detoxing from alcohol.

Medical detox

To taper the levels of alcohol in your system and prevent sudden chemical imbalance, doctors may advise a medical detox. This involves using medications, such as diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and lorazepam, to ease withdrawal symptoms at a gradual rate and reduce intense cravings. 

Medical alcohol detox can be offered as a standalone treatment on either an inpatient or outpatient basis or as part of a recovery programme.  

While using medication will reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, it will not prevent psychological withdrawal. Any emotional reliance on alcohol will need to be addressed separately either during or after alcohol detox.

How long does alcohol detox take?

The length of time to remove all traces of alcohol varies depending on how much alcohol is in your system, your overall health, and for how long you’ve been drinking. 

On average, the timeline for alcohol detox is as follows:

Alcohol detox timeline

6 -12 hours after last drink

On the first day, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Shaking
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
  

12 – 48 hours after last drink

Symptoms tend to peak on days two to three. 

You are likely to experience the following:

• Increased anxiety
• increased heart rate
• Higher blood pressure
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Possibility of hallucinations
  

48+ hours after last drink

• Delirium Tremens can occur if you have huge quantities of alcohol levels in your blood.

Day 3

• By day three, you should feel an improvement in mood and be more hydrated as blood sugar levels return to normal. 
• Usually, the hangover-like symptoms start to wane, leaving you feeling more energised
• Your alcohol cravings should also begin to subside because there will no longer be a chemical imbalance

Day 5

After five days, you would have made it through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms and should start experiencing the physical and psychological benefits. 

What to expect after alcohol detox 

Our bodies possess incredible powers of recovery, and after a month of abstinence, you should see some extremely positive changes. 

Your liver, which is the organ most affected by alcohol abuse, can cause a chronic health condition such as cirrhosis. Yet, your body will lose around 20% of the fatty deposits caused by drinking after only one month of sobriety. You should also see significant improvements in your energy levels, mental clarity, skin, and sleeping patterns. 

However, some psychological symptoms may persist for weeks or months if not treated.

 Who benefits from alcohol detox?

Alcohol detox is essential for anyone with a physical dependency on alcohol who wants to take back control of their life and start the journey to sobriety.

If you have been drinking heavily for a long time and experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, alcohol detox is recommended:

• Cravings for alcohol 
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Alcohol detox also has a positive impact on the loved ones of someone abusing alcohol. We know that families can be put under enormous strain when working through alcohol issues and can often feel lost, not knowing the best way to offer support. Undergoing alcohol detox is a sign of great courage that tells loved ones you are taking control and looking after your health. 

After withdrawal, the clarity you experience improves your decision-making abilities, which can set the premise for healing and rebuilding relationships.  

It’s important to note that detox only addresses the physical aspect of alcohol addiction and is not enough to overcome dependency. Addiction is usually a symptom of a deeper issue, so emotional support through rehab, online counselling or fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, is vital to addressing the psychological aspects and promoting long-term recovery.

How to safely detox from alcohol

There are lots of different options to choose from when starting out your detox journey, each providing specific benefits. We’ve listed a range of services below to give you an idea of what’s available:

Inpatient detox

As alcohol detox brings on strong cravings and comes with the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms, inpatient detox is a suitable option for those who have long-term alcohol addiction. There is no access to harmful substances on the premises, and a structured environment is implemented to support you emotionally as well as physically. 

This option involves staying in a detox centre for the duration of your withdrawal, usually with access to support groups to share the experience with others who understand what you are going through and inspire you through the process. There will always be medical professionals on hand, minimising the risks associated with detoxing from alcohol.

Home alcohol detox

If you want to detox from alcohol but have commitments to work around or are not able to access inpatient treatment, you may consider home detox. With this option, you would only visit the detox centre by appointment to have check-ins with a doctor and to receive medication to manage symptoms. This option works well for those who have commitments, such as work and childcare, and can control their cravings through the withdrawal process without giving in to alcohol.

In many cases, professional supervision is the safest option to ensure effective and safe withdrawal from alcohol.

Online counselling

Detoxing from alcohol can be an emotional journey that is most effective with encouragement. If your preferred method of detox is to seek guidance online, we can offer you emotional support throughout the process by referring you to our Counsellor and Psychotherapist, who specialises in addiction and trauma counselling. 

You will be able to ask questions, speak to someone who understands what you’re going through, and be given hope that there are better things to come once you get through the discomfort of withdrawal. 

Choosing the best alcohol detox method

Rest assured that there is an alcohol detox plan to suit you, regardless of your financial situation, schedule, or location. While some people choose to detox from alcohol as an inpatient with access to a full recovery plan, others may choose the more cost-effective option of detoxing at home with medication, following the advice of a medical professional. Whatever your situation, help is available. 

We can advise which option works best for your current situation, considering all your lifestyle factors and any preferences. The most important thing is that you reach out for support.

Next steps

If you are ready to start alcohol detox, or have any questions, get in touch with us for free advice on what works within your budget and best suits your circumstance. Our friendly team at DetoxPlus UK will help you work through different options, answer any questions or concerns you may have and organise the detox plan for you, so you can just concentrate on getting better.

FAQs

When is the best time to book an alcohol detox?

As soon as you feel ready to break free from the clutches of alcohol, you should seek support for alcohol detox. The earlier that you go through the process, the more likely you are to reverse the negative effects of alcohol and begin your journey to sobriety.

Is alcohol detox dangerous?

Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous if you withdraw from it too rapidly and without professional help. This is because regular alcohol consumption disrupts usual brain function. Cutting your alcohol supply once the body adjusts and becomes reliant on alcohol to maintain balance can be a shock to the system and potentially dangerous.

We advise you to always be prepared before attempting alcohol detox and to have a support system available to prevent any medical emergencies.

Can you book an alcohol detox for a loved one?

While it’s possible to book someone into a detox centre, detoxing from alcohol alone will not address the underlying issues that cause alcoholism – an illness that provokes compulsive drinking to satisfy cravings. 

For a successful recovery, your loved one must be willing and ready to receive help for underlying trauma. Otherwise, they are likely to go straight back to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism despite the physical detox.