how long to detox from alcohol?
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at
12:23 pm
how long does it take to detox from alcohol? i have meds that will help me. plus im seeing a counselor. but im scared cuz Ive heard you could die. although my doc doesn’t think im that bad yet. i just want to know what i have to look forward to. i mean symtem wise.
Filed under: Detox
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Usually the most dramatic withdrawal symptoms subside within a week. I assume your doctor gave you a benzodiazepine, which is the most commonly prescribed class of meds for alcohol withdrawal. This will control most of the symptoms and will usually prevent the more serious symptoms. Untreated alcohol withdrawal can sometimes be life threatening. The risk for seizures is highest in the first 48 hours. Delirium, which is not very common, usually begins after 3 or 4 days but can occasionally occur up to a week. Autonomic hyperactivity (increase heart rate, blood pressure, fevers) can occur. The meds you’re taking should prevent these symptoms. If your doctor thought you were at risk for severe withdrawal problems he would have had you detox under medical supervision. I think you’ll be fine. After the dramatic withdrawal is over some people have lingering symptoms of anxiety, depression and some sleep problems. These should gradually improve over weeks or a couple months. If they persist or become severe talk to your doctor. You may need an antidepressant or other med to help you through it. Congrats on trying to get sober and good luck!
The average period is 72 – 96 hours. Your doctor has chosen for you to detox on an outpatient basis. As you mentioned, this is done with folks whose alcoholism is not in an advanced stage. Take the meds given to you as prescribed, keep all appointments and get to some AA meetings. AA’s the best place to hear how others got through the detox period without having picked up another drink. If you think you’re having a seizure, fever, delirium or severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heart beat call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Alcohol withdrawal can in rare cases be potentially fatal. Late stage alcoholics must be hospitalized to be detoxed.
Mild-to-moderate psychological symptoms:
Jumpiness or nervousness
Shakiness
Anxiety
Irritability or easy excitability
Rapid emotional changes
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty thinking clearly
Bad dreams
Mild-to-moderate physical symptoms:
Headache — general, pulsating
Sweating — especially the palms of the hands or the face
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
Pallor
Rapid heart rate
Eye pupils enlarged(dilated pupils)
Clammy skin
Tremor of the hands
Involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids
Hope this helps.
i don’t know, but good luck
First of all, congratulations on your decision to quit drinking. You’ll feel much better. I’m not sure on how long the detox is, but its probably not any longer than for any other kind of drug. I have never heard of anyone dying from stopping alcohol, but I have heard of people dying from drinking too much. I know that you can do it,…. please let us know how good you are doing in a couple of weeks. Stay strong!!!
The risk of death is associated with mixing your medication with alcohol. If you drink while taking them, there could be considerable risks. Detoxing won’t cause you to die and if you are going to a detox facility, you will be closely monitored.
Detox will take a couple days, but recovery will take longer. During detox, expect sweating, shaking, nausea, and just an overall feeling of being unwell.
Good luck and GOOD FOR YOU for being so strong to tackle your addiction. You’ll get through it. The first couple days are the worst.
12 hours and its gone