If you’re an alcoholic or someone who struggles with alcohol addiction, then detox is one of the first steps to recovery. Alcohol detox is a safe and controlled process that helps the body rid itself of alcohol and restore balance to the body. It’s important that you undergo detox under the care of trained medical professionals because abruptly stopping drinking can lead to dangerous symptoms like hallucinations, high blood pressure, and seizures.

Detox is a multi-step process that typically begins with an intake session. During this session, the medical team will review the patient’s drug and alcohol history as well as any co-occurring mental health issues that may be contributing to their drinking problems. It’s also during this time that the doctor will determine whether or not a person is a candidate for alcohol detox. Then, the medical team will develop a treatment plan to ensure the safest and most effective results.

During the first 24 hours of detox, alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin to take effect. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, anxiety and tremors. During this phase, it is important that patients are monitored closely to prevent the onset of severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and delirium tremens.

By the end of the first day, most withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside. However, hallucinations and anxiety will persist. Patients will also experience some discomfort due to increased heart rate and sweating. It is important to eat well during this time and avoid foods that can cause a worsening of withdrawal symptoms.

Patients will continue to experience symptoms throughout the first week of detox. The duration of these symptoms will vary from person to person. However, most individuals will experience their peak withdrawal symptoms during the first two weeks of detox. This is when they are at the highest risk for developing life-threatening complications such as seizures and high blood pressure.

During this time, the medical team will continue to monitor heart and respiratory rates to make sure the patient’s condition is stable. They will also administer various medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and keep them comfortable. Some of these medications can include benzodiazepines to reduce the risk of seizures, dietary supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies and antidepressants for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

After the first three days of detox, most people will start to feel more normal and energized. At this point, cravings for alcohol should have mostly subsided and hydration will be restored. It’s also recommended that people during this period stay away from fatty foods, sweets, caffeine, and soda as these can worsen the detox withdrawal symptoms. This is especially true if a person has pre-existing medical conditions that could be triggered during the detoxification process. This includes patients with liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease and arrhythmias. These patients need close monitoring to prevent life-threatening complications.