vital part of recovery from addiction. It’s a painful process but necessary.

When alcoholics withdraw from alcohol, they can suffer physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and insomnia. They can also experience hallucinations and seizures.

Symptoms

Alcohol detox symptoms are unpleasant and can be dangerous, especially if you have a history of medical conditions or prior addictions. These symptoms should be treated under the supervision of a qualified professional who can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs.

Early stage withdrawal symptoms typically begin around six hours after a person stops drinking. These include tremors, tachycardia, restlessness and anxiety.

Nausea, vomiting and hallucinations are also common. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe, but will get better over time.

Depression and anxiety are another common symptom that can occur during an alcohol detox program. These feelings are temporary and normal as your body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.

During alcohol detox, it is important to keep your stress levels low and avoid temptations. You may also want to talk with a support person. This can be a family member or friend who is not an alcoholic, but has years of sobriety under their belt.

Treatments

Whether you need to get clean for personal reasons or because of a medical condition, there are several treatments available. Some, like detox and medication-assisted treatment2, are used as part of an integrated approach to alcohol addiction recovery3.

There are also outpatient alcohol rehab options that allow patients to continue living their normal lives while in a safe and supportive environment. These programs usually require patients to attend a few sessions a week for a few hours at a time.

The most common detox option is to complete an inpatient treatment program. During this program, patients receive specialized care and medical monitoring. They may also take benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium), to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects

Alcohol detox is a difficult time for those suffering from addiction. The withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe, and they are often accompanied by anxiety and depression.

While detoxing from alcohol can be a challenge, it is a necessary step for those who want to get sober. Medically supervised detox is essential for safe withdrawal and prevention of serious side effects.

Benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) can help to ease withdrawal symptoms. These medications can also prevent seizures, which are one of the most dangerous and fatal withdrawal side effects.

In addition to medications, physical therapy is an important part of the alcohol detox process. It helps the body to recover by releasing endorphins and re-balancing the chemicals in the brain. It also helps to reduce stress and improves sleep patterns.

Recovery

Alcohol detox is the first step in the recovery process, removing alcohol from your body to begin healing. It is a very challenging time, as your body will need to adapt to functioning without the crutch of alcohol.

However, once your body has gone through the initial withdrawal period, it will slowly settle back to its normal self. During this phase, it’s important to seek support from friends and family and medical professionals.

The next phase of your treatment is rehabilitation, which focuses on addressing the root causes of your addiction. This often involves therapy, group sessions, one-on-one counseling, and other forms of treatment.

After rehab, it’s vital to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to avoid triggers that could lead to relapse. This includes engaging in mind-body practices, such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. It also means forging healthy relationships and incorporating activities that bring you joy. This can include volunteering, art, music, and other creative expressions.