Alcohol detox in Los Angeles, or anywhere for that matter, can be quite complex. Recovering from an addiction is different for everyone, meaning that your care should be customized to your specific needs. However, there are some general aspects of detox that you can expect. Detox is important because it’s a safe way to quit drinking and find new healthy habits. This guide will give you all of the information you need.
What is Alcohol Detox in Los Angeles?
Once addicted to drinking alcohol, it can be difficult to stop. Both the body and the brain become acclimated to the presence of liquor and quitting can be scary and uncomfortable. Detox is a treatment that helps you do so safely, while also helping to minimize some of the withdrawal symptoms. While in detox, you will be monitored as you work to overcome your addiction. Suddenly quitting drinking can be dangerous, so it’s best to do so under the care of a professional. After detox, you will need to adhere to an addiction recovery program to prevent a relapse.
Symptoms that Occur During Detox and Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms vary from patient to patients. You may experience all of them, or just a few. The severity of your addiction and your health status largely influence which you will suffer from during detox. The program is designed to aid in this process, though it won’t be able to stop all symptoms from occurring. Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Foggy thinking
- Hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
A medically managed detox program is the best way to manage these symptoms and help you complete detox so you can move on with your recovery program.
Factors That Influence Withdrawal
The severity of withdrawal symptoms is determined by a wide range of factors. It’s never the same for all patients and your detox treatment team is there to help you through it. Some of the determinants include the following:
- Medical history
- Current stress
- Family history
- Co-morbid mental health conditions
- Length of time addicted
- The amount of alcohol consumed
- Trauma in childhood
- Using other drugs or substances
In general, the more dependent a patient is on alcohol, the more severe his or her symptoms are likely to be. Withdrawal from alcohol can be fatal, as the body has come to rely on it for everyday functioning. That’s why it’s never a good idea to quit on your own. Detox can help you do so safely.
How Long Does Detox Last?
Again, this depends on the patient. The average time for withdrawal is 24 to 72 hours and goes through stages. The first symptoms tend to appear in the 12 hours after the last drink was consumed. After detox, a rehab program lasts an average of seven weeks.
Canon Human Services Centers Inc. is here to help you through alcohol detox in Los Angeles. We can answer your questions and help you or your loved one find the appropriate treatment center and plan to meet your needs as you fight your addiction.
