Even if you don’t know much about alcoholism, you probably know that if someone has reached the point where they’re physically dependent, it will be necessary for them to detox if they want to get clean. This is seldom an easy process. It must be attempted with care if the afflicted individual wants to live without alcohol again.
There are facilities where you can do a medical detox in California if you’re physically addicted to alcohol. The doctors there can assist you as you undertake this difficult journey. Before you look into one of these clinics, though, it’s best that you know what’s coming. To that end, let’s talk about how long the alcohol detox process usually takes.
Do You Have Physical Dependence on Alcohol?
The first question that it’s crucial to answer if you’re trying to get free of alcohol is whether you have reached the point where you have a physical dependence on this substance. You might be a problem drinker, but are you physically addicted?
If you are, that’s different from someone who likes to drink frequently but who won’t go into actual withdrawal if they stop drinking. A doctor should be able to examine you and determine whether you fall into the physically addicted category.
The Average Time is Four or Five Days
Assuming you’re in a condition where you have a physical alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms will usually last about four to five days. During this time, you will likely experience what is referred to as the DTs.
You might sweat or tremble. A rapid heart rate is possible, and you will likely be irritable as well. If you are badly addicted, it might be necessary for the doctors to slowly wean you off of alcohol instead of having you quit cold turkey.
This Experience Takes Both a Physical and Mental Toll
What those who are not addicted to alcohol may not necessarily understand is that alcohol is not just physically addictive. It’s also habit-forming.
What this means is that your body is not just used to getting a baseline of alcohol every couple of hours to keep it pacified. You’re also used to drinking as a way of marking the hours of the day.
Someone with alcohol addiction craves the sensation of drinking as much psychologically as physically. Overcoming addiction is hard due to painful withdrawal and missing the ritual of drinking after doing it for so long.
The alcohol detox process isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if you’ve reached the point of physical dependency. Qualified medical professionals should be able to help you.