What happens during alcohol detox?

Alcohol detox is no walk in the park. In fact, it can be a rocky road filled with unpleasant – and even dangerous – side effects. But understanding what happens during this process can help make the journey a little smoother.

What is Alcohol Detox?

When someone drinks heavily for a long time, their body becomes dependent on alcohol. It adjusts to having that constant supply of booze in the system. So when they suddenly stop drinking, the body has to readjust – and that’s where detox comes in.

Detox is the process of ridding the body of alcohol and allowing it to recalibrate to a sober state. It’s like hitting the reset button on your system. But just like rebooting a computer, things can get a little glitchy before everything runs smoothly again.

The Detox Process

As alcohol leaves the body, withdrawal symptoms kick in. These can range from mild (like shakiness and sweating) to severe (like seizures and hallucinations). The severity depends on factors like how much and how long someone has been drinking.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches and body aches
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Tremors and sweating

The worst of these symptoms usually peak within 24-72 hours after the last drink. But for some, withdrawal can last for weeks as the body slowly resets itself.

3 Surprising Detox Facts

1. Kindling Effect: Each time someone goes through withdrawal, it can get worse. This “kindling” effect means detox symptoms may be more intense and prolonged with each attempt to quit.

2. PAWS: Even after acute withdrawal ends, some people experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) – things like mood swings, sleep issues, and cravings that can last over a year.

3. Medical Risks: Alcohol withdrawal can actually be life-threatening in severe cases. That’s why medically-supervised detox is recommended to manage complications like delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures.

Detox is just the first step on the road to recovery. But understanding what happens during this crucial process can help make it a little less daunting.

Learn More

• Alcohol Use Disorder: The medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use.
• Rehab Programs: Inpatient and outpatient treatment options for overcoming alcoholism after detox.
• Relapse Prevention: Strategies and support systems to maintain sobriety long-term.