The disease of addiction is very complex, often impacting the many different areas of a person’s life. Someone who is struggling with alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, can find that it is nearly impossible to stop drinking on their own due to a mix of unresolved emotional issues, overpowering cravings, and the fear of withdrawal symptoms associated with detox.
Withdrawal symptoms develop when an individual has established some level of physical and/or psychological dependency on a mind-altering substance.
The overwhelming feeling of knowing that withdrawal symptoms will occur when drinking stops can be frightening. This fear is completely understandable, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be painful and cause a number of physical and mental side effects. Most notably, these effects can include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Shakiness
When a person who is addicted to alcohol continues to drink to avoid these and other symptoms, his or her alcohol use disorder can get much worse and become potentially life-threatening. His or her situation can also be worsened if he or she goes back and forth between using and not using. This dangerous cycle of drinking and not drinking without coming to any clear resolution can lead to accidental overdose, as the body goes haywire trying to adjust to the constantly varying levels of alcohol that are being consumed. However, with professional help, the symptoms experienced can not only be managed but can also be mitigated to a large degree.
The symptoms listed above are extremely common in anyone who has developed a dependency on alcohol and then stops using suddenly or dramatically decreases how much he or she drinks. These symptoms can begin within a few hours after one’s last drink and continue for up to one full week. And while alcohol withdrawal symptoms do not seem that distressing to those who are not dependent on this substance, those who have to go through this process often share a different opinion, which is one of the main reasons why thousands of people continue to drink instead of getting help. However, continuing to abuse alcohol will lead to nothing but a dead-end (quite literally). Getting help and detoxing, while seemingly distressing, can be a life-saver, but only if done in the care of medical professionals.
Unlike other addictive substances like opioids, cocaine, or meth, detoxing from alcohol can be deadly if the appropriate supports are not obtained. This is because both seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) (which can produce hallucinations and uncontrollable shaking) can occur and jeopardize one’s wellbeing. Additionally, increased heart rate and high blood pressure can develop, both of which can increase one’s risk for seizures, stroke, and heart arrhythmia. Anyone who has ever attempted to stop drinking on their own and who have experienced DTs or any of these other potentially fatal symptoms knows just how frightening of an experience detoxing from alcohol can be. But, by seeking help through 12 Keys in Florida alcohol detox center, you can eliminate your risk of suffering severe physical consequences including death just by connecting with medical and mental health professionals who can supervise your health at this time.
At Florida alcohol detox center, there is no doubt that you will receive everything that you need to complete detox successfully. Not only will you benefit from professional attention and support, but you can also benefit significantly from medications that can help make detox much more comfortable.
Medications in Florida Alcohol Detox
With the opioid crisis in full swing throughout the United States, more people are familiar with the use of medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings than ever before. What many people do not know is that those who are detoxing from alcohol can also benefit from prescription medications designed for this specific reason.
Just as a person detoxing from heroin might be prescribed methadone, someone who is detoxing from alcohol may be prescribed a similar medication. That medication, whether it be naltrexone, disulfiram, or acamprosate, can be included into a client’s overall treatment plan to help improve his or her recovery experience and chances of maintaining long-term recovery.
The medications most commonly utilized in our Florida alcohol detox center include, as mentioned before, the following:
- ReVia (naltrexone) – ReVia was first approved for use in opioid addiction treatment centers, and while it is still used in these settings, it is also used in treating alcohol use disorder. In fact, studies have shown it to be more effective in treating those detoxing from alcohol than opioids. ReVia works by decreasing cravings, allowing clients to focus more on their recovery rather than the cravings they are experiencing.
- Campral (acamprosate) – Campral, like ReVia, helps reduce cravings after someone stops abusing alcohol. When this medication is utilized at our Florida alcohol detox center, we typically only prescribe it after a client has stopped using alcohol for anywhere from a few days to two weeks, as this is when it is most effective. Unlike ReVia, which can help dull some withdrawal symptoms (although that is not its primary function), Campral has no impact on withdrawal symptoms at all.
- Antabuse (disulfiram) – Antabuse is by far one of the most commonly used medications in our Florida alcohol detox center, as it has been used for decades as a tool to help clients stop drinking for good. This specific medication is designed to work as a form of aversion therapy because when it is combined with alcohol, it makes the user extremely ill. Therefore, if someone who is on Antabuse relapses, he or she will get sick instead of getting excited, euphoric, numb, or having any other reaction to the alcohol but illness. Antabuse stays in the system for up to 72 hours, meaning that if someone has a craving to drink, his or her likelihood of being impulsive and giving in to the craving is less likely, as he or she knows that it will cause sickness.
For many clients at our Florida alcohol detox center, the implementation of medications during the process of detox and beyond can make all the difference in the world. Not only can it help to manage otherwise distressing and painful withdrawal symptoms, but it also gives the client the ability to focus on other areas of recovery rather than becoming wrapped up in the detox process.
It should be noted, and this cannot be stressed enough, that if you are attempting to stop drinking you need to seek professional help because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. Unlike with other substances that produce withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable but not life-threatening, attempting to quit drinking on your own could result in deadly medical complications. If you think that you may have a problem with alcohol and you would like to stop, please reach out to us today so that we can help you safely detox from alcohol.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, call our Florida alcohol detox today. We can help.
ALCOHOL DETOX AND WITHDRAWAL TIMELINES
Each individual will experience the detox process in their own way. One client may only spend a few days detoxing, while another client may experience symptoms for one week or longer. One’s detox experience is usually reflective of his or her patterns of alcohol abuse, meaning that those who abused alcohol heavily are more likely to experience more powerful withdrawal symptoms and cravings than someone who did not share in the same level of alcoholism. Despite there being several different ways that someone addicted to alcohol may detox, there are three stages of detox that most everyone experiences. These stages can be clearly defined and managed at our Florida alcohol detox center so that all clients continue to stay as comfortable as possible and determined to get sober. Depending on the client’s unique relationship with alcohol, he or she may pass through each phase quickly or it may take some time. However, regardless of what may occur during the detox process, we’re here to help and make sure that all clients are comfortable and safe during detox.
The stages of alcohol detox include:
- Acute stage — During the acute stage, the body starts to go into alcohol withdrawal. At this time, medical supervision is pivotal in preventing severe and potentially life-threatening effects from developing. Individuals may struggle with feelings of nausea and exhaustion, as well as shakiness, anxiety, headaches, and an overall feeling of irritability. At 12 Keys’ Florida alcohol detox center, we can prescribe FDA-approved medications that can help to counteract the worst symptoms of acute detox so that clients’ experiences can be more comfortable.
- Emergent stage — During the emergent stage, other health problems that may or may not be related to the detox process can start to come to the surface. This is because the regular abuse of alcohol can mask an existing problem, agitate a dormant health issue, or cause a physical or mental health problem. If a client has any of these issues, they will most likely show up during the emergent stage. Some of the most common of these issues include high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and diabetes, as well as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or another mental illness or behavioral problem.
- Post detox — Once detox is complete, clients will then participate in an individualized treatment program to heal their mind, body, and spirit. We will provide constant treatment and monitoring during the detoxification process, which will then lead to the observation and orientation phase of the client’s rehabilitation. Once our staff members get to know each client better, they will work with them to determine the best plan of treatment. For a month or two after detox, it is common to still feel a little uncomfortable because both the mind and body are continuing to adjust to no longer being exposed to alcohol. However, therapy, good nutrition, plenty of rest, and 12-Step meetings can make this stage a lot easier.
Throughout each one of these detox stages, clients can experience withdrawal symptoms. While usually kept at bay through prescription medication, our Florida alcohol detox center provides as much additional support as possible to help clients get through the different stages of withdrawal, which includes many symptoms that can range in severity. They include the following:
Stage 1: During the very first stage of withdrawal symptoms, clients tend to start feeling symptoms develop within a few hours after their last drink. Most commonly, clients experience waves of anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and abdominal pain at this time. This stage often lasts for one full day after drinking has ended.
Stage 2: The withdrawal symptoms experienced in stage 1 can continue into stage 2, however, can be overpowered by the introduction of new symptoms, including high blood pressure, confusion, increased body temperature, and changes in heart rate. When these withdrawal symptoms start to develop, the need for medical supervision becomes most necessary, as problems like changes in heart rate and increased body temperature can trigger deadly effects. Stage 2 typically lasts anywhere from 1-3 days
Stage 3: Withdrawal symptoms associated with stage 1 and stage 2 can linger into stage 3 but become less prominent. Instead, symptoms including hallucinations, fever, seizures, and agitation can develop. At this time, it is pivotal for clients to continually receive medical support and supervision, as the threat of experiencing deadly withdrawal symptoms remains. This stage, which is notoriously the most challenging, can last for a few days.
All symptoms associated with each stage tend to taper off within 5-7 days when treated by professionals. If treatment is not obtained and an individual makes independent efforts to detox without the help of professionals, these symptoms can continue for weeks. Unfortunately, those who make attempts to get sober on their own often do not push through these symptoms, rather tend to go back to drinking to obtain a sense of relief instead. This further complicates someone’s alcohol use disorder, making it even more necessary for professional treatment.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDING FLORIDA ALCOHOL DETOX Center
Many people suffering from alcohol use disorder have to go through detoxification as part of their overall treatment program. This is because when someone is dependent on alcohol, meaning that he or she cannot stop using without experiencing physical and/or mental withdrawal symptoms, it is usually necessary that some level of medical care is provided to prevent serious complications from occurring. Some withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol use disorder can prove to be fatal if the proper medical protocols are not followed or the right amount of attention is not provided. As previously mentioned, someone who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms can suffer from several different physical complications that can put his or her life at risk if the proper care is not obtained. While it is not very common for a person to die from alcohol withdrawal, it does happen and the risk for it is always present in anyone who stops drinking without the right supports in place.
While the most important reason for someone to detox in the care of professionals is to preserve his or her health and wellbeing, it is also necessary for individuals to participate in our Florida alcohol detox center so that they are of clear enough mind to focus on making a full recovery. For example, someone who is dependent on alcohol and begins a treatment program without detoxing first is more likely to leave prior to the program being completed due to overpowering cravings for alcohol. And, when a client still has alcohol in his or her system, it can be impossible for him or her to fully focus on the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of their recovery due to their judgment being clouded by alcohol.
Going through detox at our Florida alcohol detox center, whether done for safety purposes or to provide mental clarity, can be the very best first step that someone in recovery can take. And, in order for any detox program to be safe and effective in their practice, careful medical supervision and precise expertise is needed. At 12 Keys’ Florida alcohol detox center, we offer a holistic detox program that provides support for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of each one of our clients. We believe that it is not enough to just stop the physical act of drinking, because that does nothing to address the deep, underlying issues that served as a catalyst for the onset of one’s active addiction. As simple as it may seem, alcoholism is a tremendously complex disease that has deep-reaching effects and can cause powerful ramifications. However, thanks to decades of research, studies, and experiments, we now understand that in order for alcoholism to be addressed thoroughly, all aspects of a client’s wellbeing must be healed. This can be done by treating all concerns simultaneously, rather than just singling out the physical act of drinking or the mental health issues that a client may have.
It is very important to understand that detoxing from alcohol is simply just one step in the recovery process and does not represent the completion of a treatment program. In fact, there is a common misconception that alcoholism can be cured, however, there is no cure for alcoholism, but rather there are ways to halt its progress and allow an individual to live a sober and substance-free life. For many people, this process begins with detox services and continues on to include several different therapies, support groups, meetings, and other resources that can help solidify one’s newfound stance in recovery.
DO YOU NEED DETOX?
It is not always easy to determine how severe someone’s alcoholism is, especially if it is you who is attempting to be the judge and jury. Along with an alcohol use disorder often comes a healthy batch of denial, as admitting to having a problem can be more difficult than continuing to drink. However, if you are concerned that your drinking has gone too far and that you will suffer if you try to stop on your own, it is imperative that you consider if detox is the right option for you. Consider the following:
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting when cutting back on your drinking or stopping drinking altogether?
- Do you have a high tolerance for alcohol, meaning that you need to consume a lot of it in order to feel drunk?
- Have you made attempts to get sober before but have unsuccessfully completed independent or professional detox?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, enrolling in a detox program like that offered at our Florida alcohol detox center might be the best decision for you. Getting the right support at the very beginning of your recovery can help you lay a solid foundation to build your life-long recovery on.
FINDING THE RIGHT FLORIDA ALCOHOL DETOX FOR YOU
Reaching out for help can be the most difficult part of the disease of addiction. Not only does asking for help often make individuals feel inferior or worthless, but it can also cause him or her to struggle with motivating him or herself to get better. However, when clients get moving on their recovery at our Florida alcohol detox center, these feelings can quickly dissipate and the real work can begin.
Your addiction to alcohol is unique to you, meaning that you require a treatment program that is going to speak to the many needs that you may have. By contacting our Florida alcohol detox center, we can get started on developing a treatment plan that includes detox and other evidence-based services designed to help you get sober and stay that way.
So, if you think that you or your loved one may have a problem with alcohol and believe that Florida alcohol detox center can help, please call our professional team right now. At 12 Keys’ Florida alcohol detox center, we can get you the care you need immediately.