While many people drink in moderation as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some people adopt unhealthy drinking habits that can lead to long-term alcohol abuse or addiction. Because alcohol is so common and widely accepted in the culture of the United States, it can sometimes be challenging to identify when drinking has crossed the line and become problematic.
But it’s crucial to understand the risks of alcohol addiction and get help as soon as you recognize a problem. Without treatment, alcohol addiction can worsen and become life-threatening.
Detoxification is often the first step in alcohol addiction treatment. This article will explore what to expect at a New Jersey alcohol detox center and how to find the help you need to start your recovery journey.
Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room now to learn about our effective alcohol addiction treatment programs or to explore your other treatment options.
Alcohol Abuse and Addiction: The Basics
Alcohol addiction is a severe and progressive condition that can develop slowly over a period of months or years of heavy drinking. Many people experience harm to their mental and physical health, relationships, and other aspects of their lives as alcohol becomes the center of their lives.
People may begin drinking in social situations or to manage difficult emotions like anxiety, stress, anger, or depression. In time, people may develop tolerance to alcohol, meaning they need to drink more to get the desired effects. They may drink heavily for some time before developing physical dependence or addiction.
Long periods of heavy alcohol consumption can lead to severe kidney, heart, and liver damage. It can also increase a person’s risk for certain cancers, including stomach, colon, and breast cancers. Heavy drinking can also worsen symptoms of an existing mental health condition or cause new symptoms of anxiety or depression.
It’s important to know the signs of alcohol abuse and seek treatment as soon as possible.
What to Expect at a New Jersey Alcohol Detox Center
People with physical alcohol dependence are likely to experience a range of uncomfortable, sometimes dangerous, withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. The primary goal of a New Jersey alcohol detox center is to provide essential care and support to help people go through withdrawal safely and avoid relapse.
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Mood changes
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seizures
People experiencing alcohol withdrawal may have strong, persistent cravings for alcohol. It can be tough for people to avoid relapse when intense cravings hit.
An alcohol detox center in New Jersey can provide valuable support, supervision, and treatment throughout withdrawal that ensures people will have the safest and most comfortable detox process.
Before beginning a detox program, each person goes through an evaluation that will let their treatment team provide tailored care. The assessment will consist of:
- Lab testing
- A physical exam
- Family and personal history of substance abuse, addiction, and treatment
- A mental health and medical history
Then, each person will follow a specialized treatment plan that may include:
- Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, including benzodiazepines
- Emotional support
- Round-the-clock monitoring and supervision
- Exercise, nutrition support, massage, and other holistic treatments
During detox, doctors may slowly taper a person’s dose of benzodiazepines, allowing their body to adjust to sobriety gradually. This can ensure safety and comfort throughout each stage of detox. Before you leave, the clinical team will ensure you have the proper arrangements for continued care at an alcohol rehab program.
Understanding the Stages of Detox
While many factors may affect a person’s alcohol withdrawal timeline and symptoms, people typically progress through several stages of detox.
Knowing what to expect at each stage of withdrawal can help you stay motivated, even when detox feels challenging. Here is a breakdown of what can happen during the alcohol withdrawal timeline.
The first 8 hours
People usually begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within about 8 hours of their last drink. Symptoms may start out mild and can include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Clammy skin
- Anxiety
People may have cravings for alcohol or drink to prevent intensifying physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
12-24 hours
Withdrawal symptoms typically get worse between 12-24 hours after the last drink. People may experience disruptive and uncomfortable symptoms that include:
- Night sweats
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Brain fog
- Headache
- Vomiting
Some people experience hallucinations at this stage of alcohol withdrawal.
24-72 hours
For most, withdrawal symptoms peak within the first three days after their last drink. People may experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
In rare cases, people may develop a condition called Delirium Tremens (DTs) during this stage of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium Tremens is a severe, life-threatening condition with symptoms that include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Elevated body temperature
- Severe confusion
People who develop DTs require immediate medical care to avoid life-threatening seizures and death.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically improve after three days, but some symptoms can linger for several weeks after your last drink. People who stop drinking often have cravings for alcohol that last for a long time and threaten sobriety.
Medically supported detox, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing recovery support are essential to helping people maintain sobriety for life.
Find a New Jersey Alcohol Detox Center
Most people who try to detox from alcohol alone are unsuccessful. Get the support and treatment you need to have a safe, comfortable detox from alcohol by contacting the detox specialists at The Living Room at Princeton, NJ now.