Many theories exist regarding the experience individuals have when undergoing medical detox. With the sea of ideas, separating the truth from misinformation is challenging. So this article lets you know what to expect during medical detox.
Patients must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to understand their individual needs accurately. To create a unique detox plan, a medical professional first learns about a patient’s medical background and the specifics of their addiction.
What Happens During Medical Detox?
Patients will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms once the amount of drug or alcohol in their system is gradually reduced. So many people going through detox may experience similar symptoms, since drug withdrawal symptoms and alcohol withdrawal are quite similar.
However, the type of withdrawal symptoms experienced, and the severity depends on the following:
- The amount of alcohol they have been consuming
- Type of substance they are using
- How long a person has been addicted to alcohol
- Medical conditions
In case you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, detox is your way to liberty!
Here is what to expect during the alcohol detox process.
First Six to Twelve Hours
Alcohol detox begins with mild symptoms. Mild symptoms kick in six hours after you put down your glass. The symptoms can quickly worsen as time goes by. Some withdrawal symptoms experienced include:
- Severe headaches
- Increased anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Day One
You start feeling the preliminary effects of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms become increasingly severe as you approach the end of 24 hours of detox. Since alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body, you’ll feel dehydrated more than you usually should. More severe symptoms are likely to be experienced during this timeframe. These include:
- Hand tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
Day Two
The majority of uncomfortable symptoms will last into the second day. As your body detoxifies alcohol from its system, panic attacks, and hallucinations are frequent. You begin to see, feel, or hear things that aren’t there. Medication and therapy are most crucial at this stage.
Other symptoms associated with this timeframe include:
- High blood pressure
- Intense sweating
- Vomiting
- Tremors affecting the body
Day Three to Seven
You are most vulnerable to life-threatening symptoms, like delirium tremens, at this point. Those who experience severe withdrawal may begin to feel delirium tremens symptoms. If you suspect that you are at risk for delirium tremens, it’s advisable to undergo detox under medical supervision for your safety.
After One Week
Many withdrawal symptoms will begin subsiding after completing your first week of detox. The body is growing accustomed to the absence of alcohol. Some symptoms might persist for a few weeks, while minor ones can be treated with medication. The therapist can introduce other forms of therapy at this stage.
Consider Medical Detox Today
From start to completion, the total length of alcohol and drug detox will vary for everyone. The duration of addiction and the level of alcohol consumption play a role in the withdrawal symptoms you experience during the process of detoxification. Consider medical detox today!
