Get rid of all beer, wine, and liquor, as well as any products that contain alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol and vanilla extract. If throwing everything away feels too hard, give it away to a friend or family member. Instead, try to occupy yourself with short activities, such as watching a movie, going for a walk, playing a video game, or window shopping. You might also receive other medications along with benzodiazepines. It slows down your brain function and changes the way your nerves send messages back and forth. Our Find a Provider tool makes it easy to search Cleveland Clinic’s trusted network.
How long does alcohol detox last?
- You’ll experience physical symptoms for 7-10 days, though some cases last up to two weeks.
- Some people have relatively mild symptoms that resolve quickly, while others experience more intense or prolonged withdrawal.
- Prolonged, heavy drinking can lead to a dangerous condition called fatty liver disease.
- If you’re prescribed acamprosate, the course usually starts as soon as you begin withdrawal from alcohol and can last for up to 6 months.
- There are also certain foods like tea, fish and nuts that can benefit the liver’s function in many ways.
Don’t attempt to manage withdrawal without medical supervision, as it can be life-threatening. For some people, more serious withdrawal symptoms will begin after 12 to 24 hours. In rare, more severe cases, you might develop delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms could include seizures, hallucinations and a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is a dangerous period for Alcohol Withdrawal anyone who’s stopped drinking and is experiencing withdrawal.
- Alcohol affects the brain’s chemical balance by slowing certain functions while increasing others.
- A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support the body’s recovery.
- Even people with no prior history of severe withdrawal can experience complications during this period.
- It contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B9 (folate), a multivitamin, electrolyte solution and more.
- How and where you attempt detoxification will be determined by your level of alcohol dependency.
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
Understanding the timeline helps you know what to expect and when symptoms might be most intense. It also helps you and your healthcare team plan the safest approach to detox. While every person’s experience is unique, there are common patterns that most people follow during alcohol withdrawal. Without proper medical intervention, you’re at risk for severe complications, including electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.
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You may want to reach out to a friend or loved one for support as you start your treatment journey. Their encouragement could be the motivation you need to talk to a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan regularly. This may mean you try a different type of therapy or a new medication. A provider can help you make adjustments throughout your life as needed.
SMART Recovery is a programme of training and tools to support recovery from addiction. Nalmefene should only be taken if you’re receiving support to help you reduce your alcohol intake and continue treatment. If you’re prescribed acamprosate, the course usually starts as soon as you begin withdrawal from alcohol and can last for up to 6 months. Removing alcohol from your diet for 4 weeks can also help to improve your liver function as your liver will start to shed excess fat.