How Can I Detox My Body from Alcohol?
Detox is a crucial first step to ending an addiction to alcohol and for anyone seeking to reclaim their health after excessive consumption. Alcohol can have detrimental effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being, which can linger long after a person’s last drink. If you or a loved one is having problems with drinking, you might wonder how to stop — and might even question how do I detox my body from alcohol? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 10% of people 12 and older were suffering from alcohol use disorder last year. That percentage accounts for roughly 29 million people. The large portion of the population abusing the substance makes it imperative to spread the word about the dangers of alcohol and educate users on how to begin to detox safely. For those seeking professional detox treatment, WhiteSands Treatment is ready to help with inpatient and outpatient locations across Florida.
What Do You Do in Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox, sometimes referred to as alcohol withdrawal management, is the process of allowing the body to eliminate alcohol after a period of heavy use. This process can be tricky to manage, as abruptly stopping the use of alcohol after heavy consumption can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that are safest supervised by a medical professional. The components of an effective alcohol detox involve the following:
- Assessment: A medical detox at a professional treatment center like WhiteSands will always begin with an assessment that will evaluate an individual’s health history, alcohol use, and any co-occurring mental health issues. This information will help the facility create a tailored detox plan.
- Medical Supervision: Detox should ideally take place under medical supervision, especially those with severe dependence. Healthcare providers can closely monitor vital signs and apply safe or urgent care for withdrawal symptoms.
- Withdrawal Management: Withdrawing from alcohol can trigger symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Sometimes, medication is necessary to reduce anxiety and prevent complications like seizures.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining hydration and eating nutrient-dense meals is crucial to detox and recovery, as alcohol often depletes the body of vital nutrients.
- Emotional Support: A solid support system is critical to a successful detox. Loved ones can encourage you to get help, while counseling and professionally managed support groups can provide emotional assistance to overcome cravings and triggers.
- Therapeutic Activities: Exercise, art therapy, yoga, or other mindful pursuits can promote mental well-being and busy the mind during withdrawal.
- Transition to Ongoing Care: Detox is only the beginning. A successful detox will be followed by ongoing care that will help patients maintain sobriety and develop strategies to avoid a relapse.
WhiteSands Treatment offers detoxification that helps individuals through this entire process while monitoring and stabilizing withdrawal risks. Our carefully designed program is ready and willing to help anyone asking themselves, “How do I detox my body from alcohol?”
What Is the Detox Pathway for Alcohol?
Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows alcohol is metabolized in several stages. The first step is absorption. This process takes place after consumption when alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. Alcohol is then distributed throughout the body through the blood to various organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. The next stage involves metabolism. The liver will metabolize most of the alcohol using two enzymes:
- Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH): This enzyme converts alcohol into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde.
- Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH): This enzyme converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid, a less harmful compound that eventually turns into water and carbon dioxide.
Once the metabolism is complete, the elimination stage begins. This involves the body removing the remnants of alcohol through urine, sweat, and breath. Those with alcohol dependence may soon experience withdrawal symptoms as the body readjusts to functioning without it. After detox and the withdrawal stage, rehabilitation can begin with continued treatment and support. This phase is best done with the help of a medical professional.
What Is the Timeline for Alcohol Detox?
Asking the question, “How do I detox my body from alcohol?” can be the first step to recovery. The timeline varies based on several factors, including the severity of alcohol dependence, overall health, and any co-occurring conditions. However, a general timeline and list of alcohol detox symptoms can be as follows:
- First 6-12 Hours: Withdrawal: During this time, symptoms can involve anxiety, irritability, tremors, sweating, insomnia, and nausea.
- 24-72 Hours: Peak Withdrawl: This phase could see the initial symptoms rise in severity, alongside possible seizures and hallucinations.
- 3-7 Days: Subacute Withdrawal: Symptoms will likely start to decrease. However, anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings could persist. Many individuals begin to see an improvement at the end of the first week.
- Weeks to Months: Post-Acute Withdrawal: The duration of this stage varies significantly from person to person. Symptoms can include continued anxiety, mood swings, depression, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
It is critical to consider medical supervision during the detox process. A facility like WhiteSands Treatment can help manage withdrawal symptoms and expertly take into consideration how factors like age, health, and alcohol history can affect a person’s response to detox. 
What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking?
While the initial detox can be challenging, the long-term effects are worth abstaining from alcohol. After 1-2 weeks, many individuals will benefit from improved sleep quality, followed by increased energy over the next month. Sustained abstinence can also improve a person’s physical appearance. Better hydration can promote skin appearance with increased elasticity and reduced redness or blemishes. Many people also experience weight loss as they eliminate the empty calories from alcohol, and cravings for unhealthy foods dissipate. After 1-3 months, the liver will begin to repair itself. Meanwhile, cognitive function and emotional health will improve, enhancing mental clarity and reducing anxiety. The long-term benefits of abstinence from alcohol can lengthen life expectancy by reducing the risk of various diseases and cancers. Improved relationships and social interactions can also improve happiness and quality of life. The positive effects of avoiding alcohol can influence multiple areas of your life and are worth getting help as soon as possible. WhiteSands Treatment centers can help you start the process and learn to detox your body from alcohol.
How Do I Detox My Body from Alcohol at Whitesands Treatment?
WhiteSands Treatment operates addiction treatment facilities across Florida, including alcohol detox for Orlando residents. Our curated treatment programs, including medical detox, medically assisted treatment, rehab, veteran service, and more, can be tailored to fit your needs. WhiteSands even offers more holistic forms of healing, such as art therapy, yoga, chiropractic care, exercise therapy, and biofeedback. Getting started with alcohol treatment and an initial detox is as easy as calling 877-855-3470 today. Our experts are ready to answer the question, “How do I detox my body from alcohol?” and any others you might have.
External Sources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Alcohol Metabolism
- WebMD — What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
