Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can be challenging to overcome without professional help. Left untreated, alcohol addiction can devastate every aspect of a person's life, particularly their health. Given that alcohol is legal and readily accessible to adults aged 21 and older, it’s easy to see how dependency can develop. Many who struggle with alcoholism never anticipated losing control when they first started drinking. While some can manage their alcohol intake, others may find themselves spiraling out of control. If you or a loved one has reached a breaking point or recently recognized a drinking problem, our alcohol detox programs in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are here to help start the journey to recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Become Dependent on Alcohol?
Alcohol dependence, also referred to as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition that develops over time. The progression from occasional drinking to dependence involves various factors, including biological, psychological, and social influences.
Below are the stages of alcohol dependence and how it develops:
- Initial consumption: Alcohol dependence usually begins with social or recreational drinking. Initially, alcohol may provide pleasurable effects, relaxation, and stress relief.
- Regular use: When drinking becomes a regular and frequent occurrence, it can result in the development of tolerance – where the body adapts to the alcohol’s effects, requiring more to achieve the same effects.
- Physical and psychological dependence: As tolerance grows, physical and psychological dependence may develop. You know a person is physically dependent on alcohol when they experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to reduce or stop drinking.
- Loss of control: Individuals with alcohol dependence usually struggle to control their drinking. Any efforts to cut back or quit may be unsuccessful due to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Neglecting responsibilities: As alcohol dependence worsens, individuals may prioritize drinking over responsibilities at work, school, or home, leading to interpersonal, legal, or financial problems.
- Isolation: People dependent on alcohol may also isolate themselves from friends and family who don’t support their drinking habits.
- Health effects: Prolonged alcohol dependence can lead to serious health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment, and mental health disorders.
Questions about our Facilities or Programs?
Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Clearbrook Treatment Center is right for you or your loved one.
What to Expect When Detoxing from Alcohol
Casual drinking is depicted in countless movies, television, books, and other media, but its dangers are not always emphasized. Binge drinking can easily become a habit if it goes unmonitored.
When alcohol abuse becomes an ongoing problem, eventually, the person becomes accustomed to the substance both physically and psychologically. This multi-level attachment is what makes quitting so difficult in the initial stages of recovery.
Detoxing safely from alcohol is the first step for many patients who come to our facility seeking alcohol addiction treatment. Our safe alcohol detox provides patients with an efficient form of treatment for their withdrawal symptoms and addiction cravings.
The earliest stages of recovery are usually the most difficult; attempting to receive substance-specific treatment without first undergoing medically monitored detox can make it more challenging and even life-threatening. When withdrawals and cravings are monitored and managed by professionals, the chances of relapse are reduced while the client’s safety and comfort are increased.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Unfortunately, detoxing from alcohol often includes a series of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can range in severity depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the severity or duration of the person’s addiction, age, and overall health when they begin their treatment.
Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin within a few hours after the person’s last drink and can last up to seven days, depending on the severity of the person’s alcohol use disorder. The alcohol withdrawal timeline is different for everyone.
Withdrawals that may occur in an alcohol detoxification program include:
- Excessive sweating
- Body aches and pain
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Seizures (in more serious cases)
- Alcohol cravings
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Insomnia
In severe cases, individuals undergoing the stages of alcohol detox might encounter seizures. These symptoms can rapidly worsen without prompt medical intervention.
Additionally, the duration of alcohol detox programs varies depending on individual factors such as the level of alcohol dependence, overall health, and medical history. Generally, alcohol detox can last anywhere from a few days to around a week.
Should I Detox Alcohol at Home?
Attempting an at-home alcohol detox can be dangerous, especially for individuals with a drinking problem. The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms increases with the duration of drinking, necessitating more support for recovery. When this process is undertaken without medical assistance, numerous complications can arise. Safely detoxing from alcohol is possible when guided by medical professionals who can effectively manage any issues that may occur.
Our Alcohol Detox Rehab
At both Clearbrook Massachusetts and Clearbrook Pennsylvania, we understand the dangers that can occur during alcohol detoxification treatment, especially one that lacks any medical assistance. That’s why we offer the medical assistance and support necessary for detoxing safely from alcohol.
Our medical detox programs are all led by trained and licensed staff who prioritize the health and safety of our patients. While the idea of undergoing drug or alcohol detox can be scary, patients can rest easy at our Clearbrook rehab facilities, knowing they’re in capable hands.
By receiving medically assisted alcohol withdrawal treatment at our Northeast Recovery Center, individuals addicted to alcohol can receive safe and effective treatment in the comfort of our facility. Our alcohol detox program, led by a dedicated medical team, offers round-the-clock care with trained professionals who have expertise in managing withdrawals and cravings. With 24-hour monitoring and medication as needed, we take patient care seriously and implement all necessary precautions to help sobriety become an achievable outcome.
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Get Started with Alcohol Detox Today
Treating alcohol withdrawal is only the first step. If you require the help of an alcohol detox program, you should also look into care for an alcohol use disorder.
Our Northeast addictions treatment centers offer detox for alcohol withdrawal as well as a residential rehab program for alcoholism. Additionally, our inpatient drug treatment in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts gives patients the opportunity to work with our therapists individually and in group settings to learn how to navigate their sobriety after rehab.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, do not wait to get help. Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today or give us a call at (800) 582-6241 to learn more about our locations and addiction services.
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