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Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Programs

Long term, heavy alcohol abuse can make quitting seem almost impossible. You want so badly to feel better, but you just don’t know where to begin. Alcohol detox, and other alcohol withdrawal treatment programs can help you overcome symptoms of withdrawal in a safe, controlled environment that reduces the risk of long-term physical or emotional consequences should serious medical repercussions arise during your healing process.

If you or a loved one is addicted to alcohol, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) and we’ll connect you with an alcohol detox program that’s right for you. The first step is to call and get help so you can begin the journey to recovery and healing.

Factors Contributing to Alcohol Withdrawal Risk

Life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear quickly and without much if any notice. While not all drinkers will experience severe symptoms of withdrawal, some can expect to suffer from delirium tremens which could have potentially fatal consequences if left untreated. The following factors contribute to your risk of potentially severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

• The length of time you have been drinking.
• The amount of alcohol you consume on a daily basis.
• Whether you suffer from other health conditions or co-occurring disorders.
• Your age and whether you have been through withdrawal before.

If any of the above pertain to you, it is highly advised that you seek professional treatment for alcohol withdrawal through an alcohol detox program. We can help you find a detox program that’s right for you, just give our helpline a call at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to be connected with a treatment specialist.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

The amount of time that it takes for you to fully detox from alcohol and heal from a physical standpoint is contingent upon various factors. Your age, your underlying physical and emotional health, and whether you have been in treatment before can all play a role in the amount of time you will spend in a detox program.

Heavy alcohol use can quickly be eradicated if you just quit drinking—but the potential for dangerous withdrawal symptoms must not be overlooked. Aside from the symptoms of withdrawal that can be dangerous and uncomfortable, without professional treatment you are at risk of such strong cravings that you relapse very early in the healing process.

Your alcohol withdrawal will likely run through a timeline similar to this:

• After the first 6-12 hours you will begin to experience headaches, nausea and the potential for vomiting.
• 24 hours after you have your last drink you are at risk for seizures, strong cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal.
• Your symptoms will peak around the 48 hour mark. During this time you may require medical attention because delirium tremens generally spikes during the 48-72 hour mark.
• Months after your last drink you may struggle with PAWS—post-acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This is a situation in which alcohol cravings, depression and other side effects can spike long after you have been sober.

The good news is, treatment is available for all of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Call our helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to find an alcohol detox program near you.

Alcohol Detox

Alcoholics often require the specialized treatment of an alcohol detox program. During this specialized care, patients are provided with around-the-clock support, monitoring and medical intervention to ensure safety. This process allows the patient to eliminate alcohol from the body in a controlled environment where immediate care is available for any symptoms of withdrawal that arise unexpectedly or which pose serious health risks for the user.

The goal of the detox program is to:

• Help the user overcome the physical aspects of alcoholism in preparation for therapy and counseling.
• Stabilize the patient so that there are no longer life-threatening risks associated with the decision to quit drinking.
• Provide the patient with a place of healing for a smooth transition into a treatment program that specializes in alcohol addiction.
• Evaluate the current drinking situation and begin to define an appropriate treatment program for the user.

What Types of Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Programs Are There?

Depending on the severity of your alcoholism, as well as your own personal needs, many different types of alcohol detox or withdrawal treatment are available. A detox center will likely be your first step in the recovery process. These facilities provide you with around-the-clock medical care to ensure your safe, and comfortable recovery.

Additional forms of withdrawal treatment may take place in:

• Inpatient rehab centers – not all inpatient rehabs provide detox, but many have programs and partnerships with local detox facilities to provide you with acute care during this time. Treatment in a residential rehab center can last 30-90 days or more depending on your unique needs.
• Outpatient rehab centers – although not recommended for severe situations of alcohol withdrawal, outpatient rehab can sometimes offer detox to those who are experiencing mild alcohol withdrawal. You will not live in the rehab center if you choose outpatient care, and you should carefully consider this type of treatment because it may not be safe IF you struggle with severe withdrawal.
• Partial hospitalization programs – these programs provide a mix of long-term daily care in a rehab program but at the end of the day (usually after 8 hours of care) the user goes home. This is an outpatient program that combines the long, focused day of treatment offered by an inpatient program, with the overnight stay at home that comes with an outpatient program. Much like outpatient rehab, these programs are NOT recommended for those who are struggling with severe alcohol withdrawal.

Finding Top-Rated Alcohol Treatment Centers for Alcohol Withdrawal

Medications Used in Alcohol Detox

Depending on your symptoms during the withdrawal process, a wide range of medications may be used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. These include:

• Benzodiazepines for immediate reduction of anxiety or other withdrawal symptoms. These medications are not provided long-term and are generally reduced after 72 hours.
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital to reduce seizure activity in those struggling with moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal.
• Carbamazepine which is also an anti-seizure medication used to treat alcohol withdrawal in severe cases. This medication has a lower risk of addiction that barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
• Acamprosate which can reduce cravings and the emotional imbalance that arises after long-term alcohol use.
• Disulfiram which is often prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse. This medication will make the user feel sick if he or she consumes alcohol while taking the drug.
• Naltrexone which can be used to reduce the risk of relapse by limiting the “reward” emotion that is sensed when alcohol is consumed.

Other medications may also be used during the course of detox for the specific treatment of various alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or seizures or depression. Only a professional treatment provider can prescribe these medications to you so it’s important you seek treatment right away if you are considering quitting alcohol.

Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) and we’ll connect you with an alcohol withdrawal treatment provider that’s right for your needs. You can begin your journey to recovery today with the help of a specialist.