Quitting Alcohol Timeline

During an inpatient program, housing and meals are provided, so you don’t have to worry about cooking healthy foods or finding a safe space to sleep. Individuals who have been drinking heavily for years may be prescribed acamprosate. This drug helps reduce alcohol cravings and assists the brain in returning to normal functioning after experiencing the effects of long-term alcohol addiction. In some cases, medication is required to reduce withdrawal symptoms to manageable levels. Alcohol detox medications are administered by the doctor monitoring the withdrawal process.

Anthem BCBS Indianapolis Drug & Alcohol Rehab Coverage

stages of alcohol withdrawal

This stage is part of what’s sometimes called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). These symptoms can linger for weeks or even months, making ongoing support essential. The alcohol detox process allows your body to adjust to an alcohol-free state as gradually and gently as possible. Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to you and with no obligation for you to enter into treatment.

From day 3 to 1 week without alcohol

  • Later stages bring dangerous symptoms like seizures or confusion.
  • Gently encourage habits that support recovery, like consistent sleep, nourishing meals, movement, therapy, or support groups.
  • Detox programs emphasize safety, symptom management, and clear transition planning into ongoing treatment environments designed to support continuity of care.

You can better understand new physical and emotional sensations, serving as a reminder that you are progressing, even when it feel uncertain. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we specialize in guiding individuals through the challenging process of alcohol detox with compassion and expertise. Beyond the safety considerations, medical detox is a more comfortable, pleasant experience. Your healthcare team will help treat each symptom as soon as it develops and equip you for success. This can help you avoid much of the unpleasantness that can occur as withdrawal symptoms develop. Some people sign up for therapy, support groups, or sober coaching.

At Moving Mountains Recovery, located in the heart of Hillsborough, NJ, we provide a supportive, safe environment for individuals to begin their alcohol detox journey. With compassionate care, expert medical support, and customized treatment plans, we stand by your side every step of the way. Detox is the first critical step in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) because it addresses the physical dependence on alcohol. It’s important to note that while detox is a vital stage in recovery, it is not the full solution.

As you have four weeks of better hydration, improved sleep and better overall health, it will noticeably affect your skin and hair. Your skin may appear fuller and healthier in consistency and quality. If your alcohol use distracted you from skin and hair hygiene, then the effects of sobriety can be even greater.

  • A mere 5% of people withdrawing from alcohol might experience DTs, but it can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
  • You may also choose to attend self-help groups, receive extended counselling, or use a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
  • As with BZDs, CNS respiratory center depression may emerge, especially in combination with BZDs, whose daily doses should be reduced to 15–20%.
  • Detox from alcohol in a supervised setting prevents DTs through appropriate medication protocols.

Call Now – Your Journey to Recovery Begins Today!

Given the severity of DTs, it’s imperative to recognize it as a medical emergency. A mere 5% of people withdrawing from alcohol might experience DTs, but it can be fatal if not addressed promptly. Elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and fever often accompany Alcohol Withdrawal the primary symptoms of DTs, making immediate medical attention even more critical. Delirium tremens, often shortened to DTs, is a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal.

stages of alcohol withdrawal

And while symptoms typically improve within 5 days, some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms. PAWS is believed to result from neurochemical imbalances and changes in the brain’s functioning due to chronic alcohol abuse. The experience of alcohol withdrawal can be highly distressing and may require medical assistance to manage symptoms safely and effectively.

  • Alcohol significantly impacts the brain and central nervous system.
  • Because symptoms are unpredictable, supervised settings help manage complications safely and promptly with appropriate monitoring support.
  • It typically appears 2-3 days after the last drink but can occur up to a week later.
  • This will lead to improved nutrition, which can profoundly impact your overall health, especially over time.

Stage 3: Severe/Delirium Tremens

stages of alcohol withdrawal

You should feel empowered to use any and all tools you have access to. The more support you have, the greater your chances of success. Withdrawal is one of the most uncomfortable parts of the sobriety journey, but it is temporary. Our bodies have the incredible capacity to heal, and with time sobriety can open the door to a happier and healthier life.

During the repair stage, taking care of yourself is paramount. The mental challenge of this stage is not to let anything make you feel defeated. If you’re ready to make a positive change, here’s what you may want to know about the recovery process. Figure 2 illustrates how to proceed in the clinical setting of suspected AWS to confirm the diagnosis and to start sufficient therapy.

Stage 1: Early Symptoms (6–12 Hours After the Last Drink)

Use a daily checklist to monitor emotional well-being, cravings, and physical health. This tool helps you spot patterns and celebrate incremental improvements. Recovery is a journey of small steps, and each step forward is worth acknowledging. Never attempt to manage severe withdrawal symptoms alone at home. People who have previously experienced withdrawal, have liver problems or other health issues are at greater risk for complications. As you progress, you might step down to an intensive outpatient program that allows you to live at home while still receiving several hours of treatment each week.