Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
Breaking free from alcohol addiction is a challenging journey, but it is one worth taking. And it starts with detox. Ardu Recovery Center offers individualized care to free yourself from the grip of alcohol addiction, from detox to relapse prevention.
If you are looking for alcohol or drug detox assistance, you can count on our detox center to provide full support, knowledge, and compassion.
Alcohol detox is the process of returning your body to normal in a safe and medically supervised manner after heavy alcohol intake. Detox involves quitting alcohol and managing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines it as “a period of medical treatment, usually including counseling, during which a person is helped to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.”
The goal of alcohol detox is to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms and start your journey towards sobriety. Our skilled healthcare professionals use their expertise and compassion to help you get through alcohol detox and choose the right next steps for your journey to sobriety.
Detoxing from alcohol can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, and the alcohol detox timeline can vary from person to person. However, alcohol detox programs typically follow a predictable pattern, with specific signs and symptoms of withdrawal being more prominent at different stages of the detox process.
The alcohol detox timeline can vary widely depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, the severity of their alcohol addiction, and the detox program they are following. At Ardu, our medical professionals provide individualized alcohol detox and treatment plans that fit each patient’s timeline.
When talking about alcohol detox, most people refer to the first two stages of the alcohol detox timeline, as that’s when the withdrawal symptoms are at their most severe. These two stages last for about a week. Milder, long-term symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can last for several months, so a high-quality aftercare program is crucial for continuous recovery.
That’s why we have an alcohol rehab program to complement our alcohol detox.
The way you experience alcohol withdrawal depends on your experience with alcohol (how much, how often, and for how long you’ve consumed alcohol) and your body’s chemical composition.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild to life threatening, can be difficult to manage without professional help, and understanding them is crucial for preventing relapse and aiding in recovery.
“Individuals at elevated personality risk for alcoholism apparently experience more acute withdrawal and hangover, which may initiate further drinking to relieve these aversive symptoms.”—M. Earleywine, Addict Behaviors
The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can range from mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal to life threatening symptoms such as seizures. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:
Recognition of alcohol withdrawal and proper clinical management are the first steps in alcoholism treatment.
“Early identification of patients for potential alcohol withdrawal followed by a standardized treatment protocol using symptom-triggered dosing improved alcohol withdrawal management and outcomes.”—(Melson, et al)
Alcohol detox and withdrawal treatment can be done in outpatient or inpatient facilities. Depending on your withdrawal symptoms and needed levels of care, you can opt to seek medical care from skilled medical professionals here at Ardu. We offer a full medical detox facility, paired with holistic detox therapies, to help you kick alcohol addiction for good.
Inpatient alcohol detox involves you staying at our medical detox facility and receiving medical and emotional support 24/7.
Inpatient detoxification offers consistent patient care and supervision provided by skilled staff and separation from the substance-using environment.
At Ardu, we offer inpatient rehab and intensive inpatient services, as well as residential treatment programs, which allow patients to live on-site for a period of time in order to receive the care and support you need.
Outpatient alcohol detox is a type of treatment where the patient doesn’t stay at a facility but attends appointments at a treatment center to receive emotional support and seek medical advice. The patient undergoes detox at home or in a sober living environment.
A study on outpatient treatment during alcohol detox cites that “outpatient treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome is effective for certain alcoholics.” Outpatient detox is less expensive and time-consuming than inpatient detox, and it allows patients to maintain their daily routine and social relationships.
Still, there are some risks associated with outpatient detoxification, including easy access to alcohol, a higher risk of missed appointments, and a higher risk of relapse. Outpatient detoxification is not appropriate for all patients, particularly those at risk of life-threatening complications or with co-occurring medical conditions.
If you struggle with alcohol abuse and think that an outpatient detox process is right for you, Ardu is here to help you with the discomfort and pain management associated with alcohol detox. We have an outpatient rehab center and offer outpatient services in the form of intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs.
A mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, a mood disorder, or an eating disorder, can exacerbate alcoholism. Researchers of a Canadian study concluded “that depression and anxiety are the two major psychiatric disorders of alcoholism.”
A 2014 study on detox, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health conditions in patients with a dual diagnosis concluded that:
“Targeting more comprehensive mental health, case management, and 12-step programs to dually diagnosed patients with a history of detox may improve mental health and criminal involvement status.”
At Ardu, we offer inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment programs for people with co-occurring disorders. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs include:
If you are pregnant, it is crucial to stop drinking immediately to avoid the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol addiction treatment centers that work with pregnant women should keep these suggestions, made by SAMHSA, in mind when managing alcohol detox in pregnant women.
At Ardu Recovery Center, we follow the latest medical guidelines and the best science when helping a pregnant woman detox.
Alcoholism affects everyone differently, but every alcoholic likely falls into one or more of these five types of alcoholism:
There are several signs that indicate an individual may have a problem with drinking and may be alcohol dependent. Some of the most common signs of alcoholism include:
These warning signs may be indicators that an individual is struggling with alcoholism and may need help. In extreme cases, heavy drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know shows signs of alcohol poisoning, such as confusion, seizures, slow breathing, or blue-tinged skin.
Detox is not mandatory for all types and severities of alcohol addiction, though it can be helpful for all types. Detox is absolutely necessary for the subset of alcohol-dependent people who have become so physically dependent on alcohol that they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.
For people with less severe addiction, detox may not be necessary but professional treatment of alcoholism can still be beneficial in helping to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and provide support during the early stages of recovery.
The need for detox should be determined on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact us to help you determine the best course of treatment.
“Patients with an alcohol use disorder who have a drinking goal of abstinence, in particular consistent daily drinkers, may maximally benefit from alcohol use disorder treatment, including the use of medication, in a primary care setting.”—The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
Treating alcoholism is a long and continuous process that starts with detox. If you’re looking for long-term treatment for alcoholism, we offer a high quality aftercare program at our alcohol and drug rehab facilities. Our healthcare professionals provide continuity of care and make sure you get comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment after the detox process is complete.
The stages of alcohol recovery typically include:
Recovery is a unique journey, and the duration and progression through these stages can vary for each individual. Collaborating with Ardu can greatly assist in navigating the stages of alcohol recovery.
Ardu is a recovery center for substance abuse treatment located in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. We specialize in drug and alcohol rehab and detox services and offer 24/7 hospital-level care in our modern, spotless facilities. During your stay, you’ll enjoy premium amenities such as a full gym, a sauna, a float spa, and a vibroacoustic lounge. You’ll get professional help from our amazing addiction specialists.
In addition to our alcohol addiction treatment program, we also offer these treatment programs:
At Ardu, we made sure that the rehab admissions process is simple and straightforward. Simply verify your insurance by visiting our insurance verification page, make sure we accept your insurance coverage, and you’re ready to start your journey. For more information about rehab, here’s a helpful list of things to bring to treatment.
Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
While it may work for some, quitting alcohol consumption cold turkey can be dangerous and result in severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical attention. We recommend seeking professional advice before deciding on any treatments for alcohol abuse and addiction, including quitting cold turkey. Treatment options may include medically supervised detoxification, counseling, and relapse prevention strategies to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
If you are a heavy drinker who has completely stopped drinking, you should expect to experience mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, depending on how often, how much, and for how long you drink.
Mild alcohol withdrawal is characterized by anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and decreased appetite, while severe withdrawal symptoms can involve trembling of the hands and arms, sweating, nausea with vomiting, elevation of body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, and hypersensitivity to sound and light.
While it is not possible to completely reverse all the effects of alcohol, many aspects can improve when alcohol consumption is stopped or significantly reduced.
The body has remarkable healing abilities, and by adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can promote positive changes. For example, the liver can regenerate damaged cells, and improvements in cardiovascular health, brain function, and overall well-being can occur.
Some alcohol-related damages may be irreversible, underscoring the importance of seeking timely medical care and making positive lifestyle choices.
The duration that alcohol stays in the brain can vary depending on factors such as the amount consumed, the person’s metabolism, and whether or not the person has a history of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol is metabolized relatively quickly by the liver, but the effects on the brain can last for several hours. Prolonged effects of alcoholism can cause damage to the brain. If you have concerns about alcohol consumption and its effects, talk to your doctor for additional information on the effects of alcohol on the brain.
You will likely see an improvement in your face when you stop drinking. Alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin and cause inflammation, which leads to acne, redness, and puffiness. Without alcohol, your skin will appear more hydrated, and you may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Quitting alcohol can also improve blood flow, giving your skin a healthier appearance.
If you stop drinking alcohol, health benefits you can expect include weight loss, especially in the belly region. Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories, and excess consumption can lead to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. By cutting out alcohol, you reduce your caloric intake and improve your dietary choices, potentially leading to weight loss and a decrease in belly fat.
There are many types of therapy that can be used to treat alcoholism, but the five most common types are:
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective in treating alcoholism by targeting negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction. This behavioral health psychotherapy service involves working with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, develop healthy coping strategies, and practice new behaviors. In addition to CBT, another popular behavioral therapy for alcoholism is dialectical behavior therapy.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an alcohol addiction recovery program that uses the 12-step model. Similarly, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) uses the same model in the treatment of drug addiction.
Yes, we have a men’s detox center and a women’s detox center here at Ardu. And, for prolonged alcohol treatment, we offer a men’s rehab program and a women’s rehab program as well.
If you’re looking for a heroin detox center in Utah, Ardu’s got you covered. We are a drug and alcohol detox center and we offer medical and non-medical heroin detox options. And, for long-term recovery, we also have a substance abuse treatment program for heroin addicts.
Trauma therapy can be an effective component of alcoholism treatment, especially for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Trauma can be a trigger for alcohol abuse, and addressing the underlying trauma through therapy can help individuals manage their alcohol cravings and improve their overall well-being.
Still, trauma therapy may not be appropriate for all people with alcoholism and should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other medically reviewed treatments for alcohol abuse and addiction. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for an individual’s specific needs.