Do you or someone you know consume alcohol daily? Maybe you’ve tried to stop drinking on your own, but the symptoms you experienced were so awful that you discontinued your attempt. Alcohol withdrawal is a real thing, and it can be terrible or even dangerous for some people.  Don’t let your fear of withdrawal prevent you from trying to quit drinking, keep reading to find out how Sylvan Detox will keep you safe and comfortable through this process.

If you or a loved one is suffering from any form of addiction or abuse, please call Sylvan Detox at (818) 308-3099.

Do You Need Medical Detox for Alcohol?

When you meet with your case manager at Sylvan Detox a complete history of your drinking and drug use will be taken to facilitate a program based on you, and your unique needs as an individual. If you have been drinking daily for a long time you will probably need to undergo a medically supervised detox.  Your age, medical status, and any other illicit drug use will determine your need for medical detox as well. If you engage in binge drinking and you haven’t had a drink for a week is an example of someone who may not need to detox from the effects of alcohol. The idea of withdrawal may seem frightening, but our staff are experts in the process of detox and recovery, you are in good hands with Sylvan Detox.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal happens because our bodies have become used to functioning with alcohol in our central nervous systems. When you stop or reduce your drinking your body must now get used to functioning without alcohol present. The symptoms of withdrawal can range from mild to severe, depending on your own personal level of dependence on alcohol. They can include physical, behavioral, and neurological symptoms such as

• Anxiety
• Irritability 
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
• Insomnia
• Sweating

The most serious complication of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens, also known as “The DTs” or “The shakes”. This condition is considered a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated. 

You can expect to experience symptoms of withdrawal anywhere between 6 and 24 hours after your last drink, should you have a physical dependency on alcohol. Physicians often use a tool referred to as “Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment” to determine the severity of your withdrawal and can prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms. The good news is that your withdrawal from alcohol can be complete in as little as 5 days from your last drink. The general timeline for symptoms of withdrawal is as follows

6 hours after your last drink

Your central nervous system by now has noticed it no longer has alcohol present. You may begin to experience some of the lesser, uncomfortable side effects such as anxiety. Your risk of seizures as long-term heavy drinker increases.  

12 to 24 hours after your last drink

You may be feeling uncomfortable by this time, your physician will prescribe you benzodiazepines to alleviate your symptoms. A small percentage of people experience hallucinations within this time period, seeing things that aren’t really there, or hearing sounds no one else can hear. 

24 to 48 hours after your last drink

The lesser symptoms of withdrawal will be in full swing by now, irritability, anxiety, agitation, sweating, and nausea. If you are going through lesser withdrawal your symptoms will peak during this time period, and then begin to subside. 

48 to 72 hours after your last drink

If you are experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal your symptoms will be the most severe during this time period. Your risk of seizures or Delerium Tremens increases, especially if you have a history of negative withdrawal symptoms, are an older adult, use other drugs, or have other health complications. It is critical to undergo a supervised, medical detox if you meet any of the criteria listed above. It’s also simply just a good idea to have support from a medical team that can keep you comfortable through this process.

72 hours and beyond since your last drink

After about 5 or 6 days your symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will begin to subside, and you will start to feel better. In rare cases involving heavy drinkers, some of the lesser symptoms of withdrawal (anxiety, irritability) can last for several weeks after the withdrawal process. 

What To Expect During Alcohol Detox

After you make contact with our 24/7 call center and begin the intake process you will meet with your case manager, as mentioned above. A full history of your drinking, including family history, will be taken at that time. A medical doctor will assess you for the severity of your withdrawal, and prescribe medication to keep you comfortable. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium) are proven to reduce the risk of seizures in people experiencing alcohol withdrawal, and they will also help with anxiety. You will meet with your primary therapist at least once per day to help guide you through what you are feeling and experiencing as you withdraw from alcohol. Our nursing staff is present at our facility 24 hours a day, and a Doctor is on call during night hours. Once you have completed the process of withdrawing from alcohol you will begin a treatment program as either an inpatient or outpatient, depending on your needs. 

Benefits of Medical Detox For Alcohol

The truth about withdrawal from substance use is that nobody would ever say it’s enjoyable. But a medically supervised detox guarantees your safety and comfort, mitigating the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. And it also improves your chances of avoiding a relapse considerably, people who participate in a medical detox prior to rehab have an easier time staying in recovery. And although our facility has the best medical staff and clinicians detox has to offer you will never feel like you’re in a hospital. Give yourself and your family peace of mind as you journey toward sobriety, in our well-appointed and beautiful detox center. 

Alcohol Detox Program at Sylvan Detox

Our facility and programs at Sylvan Detox are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the California Joint Commission, the gold standard of care. Our luxurious and beautiful facility will make you feel like you’re at home as you progress through your medical detox. We offer semi-private rooms and many amenities, such as

• Large outdoor social area in a spacious and private yard
• Housekeeping
• Basketball
• Pool table
• Ping pong table
• Many board games and books
• Yoga
• Fitness classes
• Store runs to purchase sundries
• Phone time after a short blackout period

And perhaps the best of all a private chef to provide nutritious, delicious, healthful meals that can accommodate any special dietary needs such as gluten-free or vegan. Our chef is trained in providing the best nutrition to those undergoing the recovery process.  
Our staff at Sylvan Detox is deeply invested in your personal success, we truly care about you and your family. The idea of detox may seem overwhelming to you, but we know that you are capable of recovery and so much more. Allow us to guide you on your path to sobriety, reach out to us today. We offer same-day admissions and accept many forms of insurance.