Many people struggling to overcome alcohol addiction often wonder how long it takes to detox. While an alcohol detox program may typically only take a few days, full treatment may require weeks or months for the best outcome.
Detox is the process of ridding your body of the substance while managing the symptoms of withdrawal that may occur during the period. Before you begin the recovery journey, it’s critical to understand what to expect.
Alcohol detox not only involves withdrawal symptoms, but it can also come with cravings that can last for weeks. Typically, the period it will take you to complete detox will depend on several factors, such as the severity of addiction and underlying or co-occurring disorders.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
How long detox takes differs for every person and the circumstances surrounding their addiction. This is why substance treatment programs depend on various factors, including:
- Current health conditions and medical history
- The amount of alcohol or co-occurring drugs are consumed
- The frequency of alcohol use
- Regular consumption of more than one substance
- The use of prescription or over-the-counter medication
Another reason the length of alcohol detox will differ is based on gender. Many rehab centers provide men’s and women’s detox programs to individualize treatment.
As such, all these factors make it challenging to know the specific days you’ll need for detoxification. Most people may overcome cravings and withdrawal symptoms in three to ten days.
Why You Need a Professional Detox Facility for Recovery
Some people may want to detox at home without a supervised medical program. This is ill-advised as it often leads to a deterioration of the withdrawal symptoms. If you try to detox at home, you’ll experience an intense craving for the substance, leading to stress, anxiety, and self-medication.
Rehab centers offer an ideal solution because experts will examine your condition and provide a customized plan for your mental health problem. There is a variety of treatment programs offered at detox centers, including:
- Medical detox
- Residential addiction treatment
- Addiction therapy services
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
Detoxing from home may prove futile as many people usually relapse within the first two days of withdrawal. As such, you’ll need a unique plan and guidance from a mental health professional. A drug and alcohol detox center can offer everything you’ll need to ensure a successful stage one recovery.
The medical specialists will continuously monitor your situation, provide support, and encourage you through your journey. This way, you’ll increase your chances of full recovery without compromising your health or endangering your life.
So, how long does it take to detox in a rehab center with expert therapists? Well, the time-frame will be much shorter with a competent medical team and a high-quality rehab facility. Generally, the physical effects of alcohol detox dissipate within a few days.
The Impact of Detox on Your Health
Long-term use of alcohol and other addictive drugs can affect your health in several ways. Those with an alcohol use disorder often experience both physical and psychological changes that worsen over time, especially in the absence of treatment. This is why it’s difficult for your body to handle the uncomfortable emotions associated with detox. Therefore, it’s possible to develop devastating medical conditions.
Before you start a medical detox program, it’s critical to discuss your current medical conditions with your doctor. Your healthcare provider may perform a complete checkup to establish what to expect during the detox period. Experts may offer medications to lessen the withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of developing medical complications.
Recover from Alcohol Abuse at Midwest Detox Center
While alcohol abuse can have severe mental and physical consequences, many individuals are unable to quit due to the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, professionals can help by analyzing your situation and recommending the best detox program.
Contact us to get a more specific answer to how long alcohol detox will take based on your situation. Call 833.647.0392, or contact us online today to learn more about your treatment options and start your path to recovery.
