Alcohol is the most widely used chemical substance in the country. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 219.2 million people over the age of 12 (78.3% in this age group) reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, a significant number of people who consume alcohol will go on to develop an alcohol use disorder. Sadly, very few of these people receive the clinical care they need to recover fully, including access to professional alcohol detox services.
At the Retreat of Atlanta, we have developed an alcohol detoxification program in Atlanta, Georgia, that is both effective and accessible. Our alcohol detox combines around-the-clock medical care with therapeutic intervention and a range of holistic treatments. We take the whole person into account, treating the physical, mental, and emotional consequences of addiction simultaneously. To learn more about our Atlanta alcohol detox, contact us today.
Alcohol Misuse & Dependence
The NIAAA defines alcohol use disorder as “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” The symptoms of alcohol use disorder vary, but they generally include:
- Attempting to quit or cut back on alcohol use and being unable to do so.
- Drinking more alcohol than intended for a longer period of time than intended.
- Spending a significant amount of time-consuming alcohol and recovering from its effects.
- Continuing to drink despite personal consequences.
- Strained interpersonal relationships and issues at home, at work, or at school.
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors is directly linked to alcohol consumption.
- Developing a physical tolerance over time.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped suddenly.
Alcohol Withdrawal
When a person consumes alcohol regularly for a prolonged period of time, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of the substance. When they stop drinking, their central nervous system goes into shock, and physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms develop. In many instances, these symptoms resolve on their own within several days. However, in some cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe — even life-threatening.
For those with a diagnosable alcohol use disorder, entering into an alcohol detoxification program is always the first line of defense in a multi-staged treatment plan. At the Retreat of Atlanta, we offer effective alcohol detox services. We treat withdrawal symptoms as soon as they develop. Contact us directly to learn more.
How to Detox From Alcohol
The safest way to detox from alcohol is through a dedicated alcohol detox program. At the Retreat of Atlanta, we offer alcohol detox in Atlanta, Georgia, treating the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal using a combination of medication-assisted treatment and therapy. The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal vary, depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder and the presence of any underlying, pre-existing conditions.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Tremors
- Fever
- Sweating
- Digestive disturbances
- High blood pressure
- Irregular and rapid pulse
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Delirium Tremens
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
Our facility offers a medical alcohol detox in Atlanta that helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Why is Alcohol Detox Important?
Alcohol detox is important for a number of reasons. Benefits of seeking professional alcohol detox in Atlanta, Georgia include:
- Around-the-clock access to professional medical care.
- A range of comfort-based amenities, including comfortable bedrooms, group lounges, and recreational areas, and a fully stocked kitchen and dining room.
- A dedicated clinical team will create a personalized aftercare plan, including a transition into a higher level of care.
- Access to a range of medications should withdrawal symptoms become severe.
- Therapeutic intervention allows clients to begin healing on a mental and emotional basis as they work toward physical stabilization.
Can I Detox From Alcohol at Home?
Attempting to detox from alcohol at home can be dangerous. The physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications when not closely monitored in a designated treatment center. It is advised that even those with mild alcohol use disorders enter into a professional detoxification program for supervision. If symptoms are mild, the client will transition to the next appropriate level of care sooner.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
The exact duration of alcohol withdrawal depends on the individual and the severity of their alcohol use disorder. There are three stages of alcohol detox:
- Stage 1 — Withdrawal symptoms begin within several hours of the last drink. Symptoms include headache, nausea, anxiety, and mild tremors.
- Stage 2 — The second stage of the alcohol withdrawal process begins 1 to 3 days after the last drink. Initial symptoms worsen in severity, and the person may experience fever, sweating, insomnia, nightmares, and hallucinations. This stage, known as acute withdrawal, typically lasts between 2 and 5 days.
- Stage 3 — Begins 4 to 6 days after the last drink. Psychological symptoms become heightened in this stage, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Symptoms have already peaked, and they begin to subside over the next several days.
Individuals who develop delirium tremens often experience a slightly longer withdrawal time, but it generally ends after 2 or 3 weeks.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal
The physical and psychological symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be severe. In the case of moderate or severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, medication-assisted treatment might be necessary. An article titled Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome reads, “Medications such as haloperidol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and phenytoin may be used as adjuncts to a benzodiazepine in the treatment of complications of withdrawal. Treatment of alcohol withdrawal should be followed by treatment for alcohol dependence.”
Medications commonly used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Anticonvulsants
- Barbiturates
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
What Happens After Detox?
Once a client has been physically stabilized in the detoxification portion of their treatment plan, they transition into the next appropriate level of care. The duration of detox varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the substance use disorder and the type of substance being used. In most cases, detox lasts for between 3 days and one whole week. However, a more extended stay might be necessary if physical withdrawal symptoms are particularly severe.
At the Retreat of Atlanta, we offer alcohol detox in Atlanta, Georgia. However, we work closely with many reputable treatment centers throughout the state. While a client is engaged in detox, their clinical team works to develop a long-term plan of action. This includes an immediate transition into a higher level of care, whether that is residential alcohol addiction rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, or partial hospitalization.
Finding an Alcohol Detox in Atlanta
Our alcohol detox in Atlanta, Georgia, provides a structured, supportive, and professional environment to begin comprehensive healing. Moreover, we ensure every experience in our Atlanta detox program is safe, comfortable, and tailored to the unique clinical needs of each client. Visit the Retreat of Atlanta today to learn about our admissions process or to begin your journey of drug and alcohol addiction recovery. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any additional questions you may have.
