While there is no set chart on alcohol detoxification timelines, there are some guidelines that have been based on extensive data and research over many years of alcohol abuse treatment. These can be broken down into segments or stages of the process.
Early Stage Detox
Usually within the first 6 to 12 hours after a patient has stopped drinking, early and fairly mild withdrawal symptoms will be present. It is still possible at this point for the individual to have alcohol present in their bloodstream. During this stage, the patient may be experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, sweating, shaking hands, mild anxiety or insomnia. It is important to note that often this is the stage where an individual is more likely to relapse and therefore one of the reasons why medical or professional supervision of the detoxification process is very important.
Detox At 12 To 24 Hours
At the 12 to 24 hour stage, some patients experience early hallucinations that usually will subside within 48 hours. These are different from hallucinations that may occur later as these are visual, auditory and tactile in nature but the patient is coherent and aware that the sensations they are feeling are not real.
Detox At 24 to 48 Hours
Seizures can occur anywhere from 2 hours into the detoxification process, but usually start at between 24 and 48 hours. Seizures are more prevalent in people who have been through the detoxification process before or multiple times, but they can happen to anyone.
Detox at 48 to 72 Hours
Commonly known as DTs, a combination of tremors, sweating, disorientation, confusion anxiety, hallucinations, high blood pressure, seizures, racing or irregular heartbeat and low-grade fever, often occur between 48 to 72 hours into the detoxification process. Older individuals tend to be more susceptible to DTs.
Detox At 2 Weeks
For most individuals, alcohol detox symptoms will have run their course within 2 weeks. Even though mental, emotional or psychological cravings may still present themselves, most of the dependency and physical symptoms should have subsided by this point. However, it is possible for some patients to experience a condition that can persist for up to a year after the therapy and rehabilitation has taken place. This is also why it is so important to remain part of an ongoing program of professional support and supervised recovery.
For more information contact the team at First Step or call 877-389-1135.