When it comes to substance abuse, alcohol is one of the most common culprits in our country. It’s easy to obtain and legal for any individual over 21 years old. However, just because alcohol is legal doesn’t mean that the substance is safe, especially when people consume it in excess or over an extended period of time. If you’re currently struggling with alcoholism, read on to learn the benefits of starting recovery with an effective alcohol detox.
Alcohol Problems Can Escalate
As with any drug, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to increased tolerance, which makes it easier to develop a dependence. Alcohol abuse can also lead to addiction, and if the drinking continues, the addiction can progress into full-blown alcoholism, making it difficult to conquer.
Alcoholism is a disease, which means that it won’t go away on its own. It produces compulsive and recurring urges to seek and consume alcohol, even when it’s detrimental to the user’s physical and mental health. Individuals may know that they need to quit drinking, but they’re simply unable to do so. Once an alcohol problem has developed into alcoholism, they lose all control over how much or how often they drink.
Alcohol Withdrawal Can Hinder Recovery
After extended and heavy consumption, individuals will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to quit drinking alcohol. Withdrawal is actually the body’s way of resetting itself to its proper functions. Initial withdrawal symptoms can begin to appear within 6-24 hours of the last drink, and symptoms tend to peak within 24-48 hours.
While each individual’s detox experience will be different, typically there are three stages of alcohol withdrawal.
The first stage usually begins 6-24 hours after the last drink. During this time, you may feel symptoms like nausea, anxiety, insomnia and abdominal discomfort.
During the second stage, which occurs 24-48 hours after the last drink, you may start to experience more intense symptoms, including an irregular heart rate, elevated blood pressure, raised body temperature and increased agitation.
Around 72 hours after your last drink, symptoms could begin to peak. You may experience hallucinations or seizures, but more commonly, you may break out into a fever or experience added irritability.
Alcohol detox symptoms generally begin to subside within 5-7 days, but this process varies for each individual. Withdrawal can bring about certain complications, which is why medical experts recommended a supervised detox under professional medical care.
Alcohol Detox is the First Step to Your Recovery
At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our various substance abuse programs can help you to build a strong foundation for your recovery. Our guests don’t have to face detox alone, nor any other part of the recovery process.
Our core programs include:
Our patients can also enjoy recreational activities such as yoga, massage, acupuncture and physical wellness in our gym during their time at our facility. We also provide laundry services and house keeping for our patients’ convenience and comfort. Rehab doesn’t have to be a complicated or unpleasant experience. Ashley Addiction Treatment can feel like a home away from home, a place where you can let your guard down to focus solely on your health and recovery.
Start This New Chapter Today
Don’t accept alcohol abuse and addiction as your permanent reality. At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our alcohol detox and addiction treatment can completely reverse the direction of your life. You can overcome this disease, and we’re ready to help you take this first step toward making it happen. If you’re ready to stop drinking and build a healthier, more positive future, call us today at 866-313-6310.