Alcohol Recovery Timeline

What To Expect During The Alcohol Recovery Timeline

Making the decision to quit drinking is a life-changing event. Alcohol is a depressant and slows body functions, which results in an inability to react quickly in critical situations. Drunk driving accidents are one result of slower body function. The length of time an individual has been drinking and the severity of the addiction both affect the alcohol recovery timeline.

Alcohol Recovery Timeline

Persons who consume a few drinks every day are placing their physical and mental health at risk. Long-term risks associated with alcohol abuse include the following:

• An increased risk of developing cancer
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Heart disease
• Cardiovascular problems
• Risk of stroke
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dementia

Most of these symptoms can be improved or reversed when an individual quits drinking. There are many benefits that result from removing alcohol from your lifestyle including the following:

• Higher energy level
• Decrease in stress
• Improved blood pressure
• Decreased risk of cancer
• Improved mental performance
• Stronger immune system
• Better work performance
• Improved family and personal relationships
• Overall physical and mental health improvement

The alcohol recovery timeline starts with a safe medical detox. The acute withdrawal stage symptoms begin with detox.

• Increased sweating
• Raised body temperature
• Elevated blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

A medical detox in an inpatient setting is the only safe way for an alcoholic to stop drinking and avoid the risk of seizures or delirium tremens. WhiteSands Treatment Centers in Tampa and Fort Myers FL provide patients going through medical detox with medication to lessen the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. A compassionate and understanding staff, beautiful and peaceful surroundings, nutritious meals, and first-class therapy and rehab is how WhiteSands helps alcohol-addicted patients achieve long-term recovery.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Each person’s alcohol withdrawal timeline is different, but on average a medical detox can take as much as two weeks. It’s the most difficult phase of withdrawal and when the psychological effects of withdrawal are strongest. The patient may experience anger, aggression, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and a decreased libido. Cravings for alcohol can be strong during this phase, and both private and group therapy will help you root out underlying causes for the patient’s alcoholism. Anyone suffering from severe alcoholism may experience cravings for several months. It’s critical to a person’s recovery to continue followup after inpatient treatment ends to avoid a relapse. WhiteSands Treatments Centers have an extensive and personalized rehab program for each patient. Both traditional and alternative therapies are in use at WhiteSands. Alternative options can include art therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, chiropractic, nutrition, and faith-based.

Alcohol Detox Symptoms

Some people refer to their regular alcohol detox symptoms after a weekend of heavy drinking as a really bad hangover. In reality they are experiencing a moderate detox that includes:

• Headache
• Shakiness
• Aching muscles
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Rapid heart beat
• Insomnia
• Clamminess

Convincing themselves that they only have a bad hangover delays drinkers from getting the help they need before the addiction gets worse. If the problem is neglected, the withdrawal symptoms will become severe and in some cases they can be life-threatening. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens
• Blackouts
• Suicidal tendencies

Medical detox in an inpatient setting is necessary to eliminate the serious risks associated with severe withdrawal. Medications are provided to counteract the serious withdrawal symptoms, and a doctor and psychiatrist oversee the detox process. Drugs and alcohol go together for some people, and a dual diagnosis may be determined.

If you or a loved one are suffering from the effects of alcoholism, contact WhiteSands at (877) 855-3470 and speak to a rehab specialist about the problem. Don’t put off getting needed help another day.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.