The very first step when healing from taking any form of drugs or alcohol is detoxing. If this is the first time someone is going through treatment or if someone close to you is undergoing it, the first question that pops into mind is how long does it take to detox from alcohol. Although individual timelines vary, knowing the stages and elements that affect the detox process is beneficial. Communicating these steps, if someone wants alcohol detox in Bakersfield, CA, is helpful as it gives a proper expectation.
Understanding Alcohol Detox
Detoxification is the first major step and the natural process that the body undergoes to remove substances like alcohol. Since alcohol is removed from the body, it is adjusted to a lifestyle without any alcohol. During detoxification, there is a process of withdrawal that most heavy and long-term drinkers undergo. This is a very uncomfortable and oftentimes dangerous process when done without any professional guidance. Dominantly nervous and overactive brains and the central nervous system are usually the case when alcohol is suddenly removed.
There are generally three steps to alcohol detox.
- Detoxing from alcohol. Symptoms usually start in the first steps of withdrawal that last within a time period of 6 – 12 hours after the last alcoholic drink.
- Heaviest Phase of Withdrawal. This time zone spans from 24 hours to 72 hours and is close to the peak withdrawal stage. During this period, there is the highest likelihood of suffering from extensive psychological and physical ailments.
- Stabilization. This is the most optimistic part, occurring after 5 – 7 days. Here, symptoms start to ease, and a sense of emotional comfort is gained after days of withdrawal.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Usually Last?
While Alcohol Detox usually lasts 7 to 10 days, individual timelines vary based on a person’s health, drinking history, and any possible co-occurring disorders.
- Mild withdrawal: Symptoms may be resolved in 3 to 5 days.
- Moderate withdrawal: Symptoms peak in the first 3 days, then begin to subside by the end of the week.
- Severe withdrawal: For heavy drinkers, detox can be 10 days and highly unpredictable.
Based on this information, it is easy to conclude how significant individualized care can be tailored to a person’s needs.
Factors That Affect the Duration of Alcohol Detox
1. Level of Alcohol Use
Greater frequency, duration, and volume of use can worsen withdrawal symptoms. A person who drinks alcohol every day for an extended time will probably undergo a longer detoxing process than a person who drinks alcohol socially.
2. Overall Health
Underlying conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease, can complicate withdrawal and increase the period of detox.
3. Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Dealing with any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, can amplify either symptoms or the need for support, especially during the detox process.
4. Age and Gender
Older individuals and women often have slower recovery rates due to differing body and metabolic responses to alcohol.
5. Environment and Support System
Attempting detoxification as a solitary endeavor takes longer as compared to going through detox in an organized clinical setting. This clinical setting will have constant medical supervision.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
The withdrawal symptoms and their degree of severity are based on several of the elements mentioned above. While symptoms can vary due to several factors, common symptoms include:
- Intensive perspiration
- Reluctance to sleep
- Increased and persistent discomfort in the stomach, leading to vomiting
- Increased pulse
- Feelings of apprehension and despondency
- Increased unfounded anger
The more serious the symptoms are, the more likely the person is to be suffering from delirium tremens (DTs). This is characterized and correlated to hallucinations, extreme seizure episodes, and lack of mental clarity. In the medical world, these symptoms are described as extreme and need immediate attention.
The Importance of Medical Supervision
Being alone and detoxing on your own is a recipe for disaster waiting to unfold. This is why detox programs in Bakersfield will offer:
- Medical Monitoring: Specialists are there to observe and track changes in a person and provide assistance when necessary.
- Support Medication: Prescribed medications target the craving and withdrawal discomfort.
- Psychological Support: Therapists will aid their patients in addressing the mental barriers that detox fills with.
The probability of accessing long-term recovery programs without the risk of serious injury is greatly enhanced with detoxification that is guided detoxification.
Clients’ Experiences During Medically Supervised Detox for Alcohol Abuse in Kern County
Below is an example of a medically supervised alcohol detox from Kern County
Days 1 and 2- Beginning of Withdrawal Symptomatic Phase
After the client finishes the last drink of the day, a state of unease may creep in. They may develop symptoms of anxiety and a booming sense of energy amid the violent emptying of the stomach into the mouth. Staff members keep track of vitals and offer any help necessary.
Days 3 and 4- Center of the Storm
This phase is known to be the most unbearable of all. It is manifested by lack of sleep, perspiration for no visible reason, and the shadow of trembling hands. Nurses and patients would wish for empowering medicines to help iron out the edges.
Days 5 to 7, and 8 and 10- Stabilization Phase
The alcohol self-detox starts. A sense of weak and unfulfilled energy may be found. Sleep may be delayed or may come and go. It is also possible to go from gentle sleep to a state of willpower. In the second week, the remaining parameters settle.
What Comes Second to Detox, or Medically Supervised Alcohol Withdrawal in Bakersfield, CA?
Clients recovering from a detox program in Medically Supervised Alcohol Withdrawal in Bakersfield, CA, offer a further extension to the program by adding:
- A gentle and supervised Inpatient Rehabilitation Phase.
- Outpatient procedures, in cases when a patient is free of any major risks.
- Therapy and mental reconstruction aimed to deal with the addiction’s roots.
- Attend community-type meetings like SMART Recovery or AA.
Why Some Detoxes Are Longer
Some people take longer to complete the detox program than others do, and this can last several weeks. This kind of ‘extended detox’ occurs when:
- Continuous and heavy drinking for a person’s entire adult life,
- Significant and serious medical problems, or both,
- Addiction to more than one drug, and alcohol,
- Certain major mental health issues.
Each of the medical teams has certain ideas to set specific time frames for alcohol detox in Bakersfield, CA, but only so long as a client’s safety and comfort are taken into account.
Emotions and detox
Detox can also affect a person emotionally. It is not uncommon for a person to feel guilt, fear, or sadness, more so than anger. Certain strategies can help ease these intense emotions.
- Breath control: Feeling of anger, let it take control for only three breaths.
- Counseling: One-on-one discussion with a later about the feelings and events.
- Mindfulness: Decreasing fear with meditation.
A person’s ability to emotionally bounce back is the basis of long-term recovery.
What is alcohol detox, and its reasons
While it is recommended to prepare a set of actions in advance, one can deal with outcomes like anxiety. One can begin by:
- Figuring out a structured plan with a medical professional.
- Finding a way to take an extended leave.
- Comfortable clothing, personal items, and supportive materials like books.
- Develop a network of dedicated friends and family.
Being prepared for what is next helps remove some of the anxiety of the unknown.
Myths About Alcohol Detox
A number of myths and misconceptions surround detox.
Myth 1: Detox is the same for each person.
This is not the case. Every individual has a different timeline.
Myth 2: Willing it is enough.
No supervision at this stage is dangerous and often leads to relapse.
Myth 3: Recovery is achieved upon completion of detox.
This is also false. It is the first step to a much longer healing process.
Being aware of these myths often prevents people from attempting to go it alone.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Detox Program
In picking a detox program for Bakersfield, look for:
- Accreditation and Licensing: The facility must not fall short of set medical standards.
- Qualified Staff: The facility should have trained medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and therapists.
- Aftercare Planning: Support should not end at detox. A good program has long-term support.
- Safe Withdrawal Settings: A positive environment at this stage lessens the chances of withdrawal complications.
The appropriate program is critical. The consequences and outcomes of relapse rest on the chosen program.
Detoxification is a complicated process, and completing it is an accomplishment in itself. However, the work doesn’t stop there. The development and solidification of new habits, the mending of broken ties, and the rediscovery of purpose in sobriety take time and persistence. Aftercare programs are designed to assist clients in keeping the positive changes and preventing relapse.
Concluding the Questions
How long does alcohol detox take in Bakersfield, CA? The answer, in most cases, is a week, but there are always exceptions. The most important part is that the detox process occurs in a supportive and safe space, while addressing all the emotional and physical concerns of the patient.
With the right support, people can overcome alcohol dependency and take charge of their lives.
Individuals seeking help are encouraged to reach out to specialists at Bakersfield Recovery Center.
