Home » Addiction Blog » What to Expect Detoxing From Alcohol

What to Expect Detoxing From Alcohol

The Bubonic Plague is estimated to have taken the lives of somewhere between 75-100 million human beings during the 14th century. Yikes! Imagine having lymph nodes the size of chicken eggs all over your neck, arms, and groin while the worst fever of your life accompanied with abdominal pain slowly slipped you into insanity and eventually death. Sorry, that took a rather dark twist but just be grateful we live in the world of modern medicine and don’t have to deal with such. Unfortunately, there are still so many types of sickness out there despite the fall of the Black Death. There are unwelcomed ailments such as the flu or cancer, and then there are unwanted illnesses like gonorrhea or alcoholism. Some of us are strangers to such whereas others of us have looked each one in the face. The point being is that the unwanted ones are self-imposed and usually come with a consequence or two. Alcoholism is not self-imposed but the resulting consequences that come along with it are.

As most of us know, alcohol is a fermented beverage that you can buy at any ABC or 7/11 on the corner if you are above the legal drinking age of 21. Of course, when did age ever stop an alcoholic? Nothing will prevent us from wrapping our lips around the bottle if that’s what we crave. The liquid courage as they call it is known to be an antidepressant and is used in all sorts of scenarios whether grieving or celebration is the call. However, as with anything we introduce to our body internally or externally, we adapt to it. The body and mind start expecting it. Soon it’s not a luxury but a necessity. Alcohol cravings become this very vivid thing as the body starts going through physical torment. But then the voice of alcoholism comes in and reminds us that just a sip of relief and poof, the “hurt” will be gone. That’s the revolving door cycle we find ourselves in. Alcoholic thinking and dependency will take over and become this haunting trouble that lingers. If our person in question stops drinking, they will begin detoxing from alcohol, and it will not be an enjoyable experience in most cases- that’s just the brutal honesty. However- it’ll be completely worth it 101% of the way.

Brace Yourself

There’s no point detoxing from alcohol or any substance really until the person is really ready to give up that way of life. Either they continue sliding around on thin ice, or they can call for help and do something about it. Coming off of any combination of chemicals is always going to be an unpleasant experience. For some it’s opiates, others it’s benzos, but today we’re specifically addressing the age-old drinking problem here- detoxing from alcohol. There’s no way around it, that is just a wretched phrase right there. I wouldn’t wish any form of detoxification on my worst enemies, especially detoxing from alcohol.  It’s an uncomfortable experience that can last anywhere from days to weeks depending on how long you were consuming. Naturally, the more you were putting in your body is the longer it’s going to take to shed the garbage out your system.

woman detoxing from alcohol

Everyone’s body handles the withdrawals a little differently, but most experience similar side effects as the time passes on. Some of the symptoms that pair along with detoxing from alcohol can include but are not limited to:  hot and cold flashes, nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, loss of ability to control using the bathroom, insomnia, migraines and other body aches, and even the shakes coupled with delirium tremens. These were all things that are familiar to me. There’s no sugarcoating the fact that once the progression begins- the body will feel like its dying and you will be questioning every decision you’ve possibly ever made. Time will seem to come to a standstill as you feel this general sense of unease and discomfort take over. Rest completely assured that it’s not the end. Taking care of our bodies while detoxing from alcohol is essential to the process or getting better. Every battery has to recharge at some point or face shutting down.   

Seeking Help

The harsh reality is that it’s not always possible to detox yourself from a home setting. It can be done, but the withdrawals of detoxing from alcohol can get so intense that even the strongest willpower won’t be able to slay the cravings bombarding. If this is the case, it is recommended to search for help in various forms. Often times, detoxing from alcohol is done in a facility where medical assistance is available. This can be a safe place to detox away from the sight and smell of alcohol while being monitored by a trained professional. This makes things so much easier- I can’t even begin to stress the difference. Having someone there to help walk you through the discomfort will make getting through this process that less tortuous.

Expect for every emotion you’ve ever had to be flying through that head of yours as your body tries to regulate itself and figure out what is going on. Staying hydrated and being fed are vital to the role of rejuvenation. Having somebody there for you will ensure that you’re taking in the nutrients you’re losing through the different bodily fluids pouring out of you. Medical professionals will be able to monitor blood pressure, fevers, and other potentially threatening things that will occur while the mind and body are readjusting. They will be there to give you advice and talk you through the worst of times when you feel like all the voices inside are taking over. But establishment or no establishment, detoxing from alcohol will be a tough road that is worth the journey in the end.

It’s Only the Beginning

It may seem like a long path ahead, but making it onto the other side of the grass will be the most rewarding thing an addict or alcoholic can ever do for themselves. All drugs and booze will bring is certified misery and torture to your mind, body, and soul. Stand up and quit letting the bottle being a bully. If you or a loved one has been struggling with getting a firm grasp on sobriety and need a solution, please call 1-800-481-8457 or visit oarcstaging.wpengine.com. Our teams of specialists are waiting by to help figure out what options are best for sending your life is a comfortable direction that you can proudly stand behind.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content