Alcohol Detox in West Palm Beach: What to Expect During Treatment

The first step towards overcoming alcoholism is going to a professional alcohol detox center. Without professional medical assistance, alcohol withdrawal can be a painful and life-threatening process.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a disease that is diagnosed based on a pattern of problematic alcohol use. Alcoholism may range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors. In other words, this disease affects each individual differently. The form of treatment a person will need depends on the severity of their alcohol use disorder.

With that being said, many individuals suffering from alcoholism deal with symptoms of withdrawal upon ceasing alcohol use. The effects of alcohol withdrawal may have severe impacts on an individual’s psychological and physical health. Fortunately, alcohol detox programs are designed to help individuals cope with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. As a result, individuals are able to focus on their recovery from alcoholism safely and effectively.

What is Alcohol Detox?

Attending an alcohol detox program by itself is not considered effective in treating the disease of alcoholism. Detox is designed to be the first step in recovery from alcohol use disorders.

When an individual who is dependent upon alcohol suddenly quits drinking, their body will begin to experience symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically appear between six to twenty-four hours after the last drink. Also, these symptoms may begin while alcohol is still present in the person’s bloodstream.

Alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person in the severity of symptoms. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Problems sleeping
• Shakiness
• Unstable blood pressure and heart rate
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Delirium tremens (DTs), a less common, but life-threatening issue that can make you restless, upset, and confused and cause fever, hallucinations, and seizures.

Who Should Attend a Detox Program for Alcohol?

If you or a loved one need alcohol to feel normal, or for your body to work properly, you likely need alcohol detox in West Palm Beach. To clear things up, detoxing from alcohol is not about “willpower” and stopping cold-turkey is never advisable. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal becomes so severe that individuals need medical intervention to prevent serious complications, such as death, from occurring. However, even when an individual is dealing with mild symptoms, a medical detox program is recommended for success.

Alcohol detox programs provide patients with support, guidance, and medical attention throughout the withdrawal process. Oftentimes, this includes the use of medications to soothe uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, as well as medical care for physical and mental health conditions.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically last a week or more, peaking within 24-72 hours. Individuals who attend an alcohol detox program are more likely to remain sober throughout detox and after their symptoms of withdrawal subside. This is because patients in detox receive the proper medical attention, psychiatric care, and support needed to overcome difficult-to-deal-with symptoms.

What to Expect During an Alcohol Detox Program

While each facility is different, most alcohol detox programs follow the same overall practices and treatment modalities. Typically, you should expect a detox program to include these basic practices:

First, patients will undergo an intake exam that helps the detox team decipher what type of support the patient will need. The intake process helps detox treatment plans to be individualized and effective for each patient and their unique needs. Patients will have bloodwork done, discuss the extent of their alcohol abuse, and complete mental and physical health exams to determine any underlying conditions.

Next, patients will receive 24/7 support throughout their detox process. This may include medications to curb symptoms of withdrawal, psychiatric care, nutrition planning, or any other services required to restore the patient’s health. The overall goal of detox is to help patients become mentally and physically stable enough to focus on their recovery. Patients will also have their temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing checked regularly during this process.

Lastly, staff and medical professionals work together to provide each patient with the resources they need to continue treatment. Oftentimes, alcohol detox programs in West Palm Beach include additional treatment programs, such as residential treatment or PHP.

Types of Detox Programs

When choosing a detox program to attend, you’ll find that there are multiple options available. Oftentimes, individuals opt to attend a detox program that combines detox with residential treatment. This prevents patients from “taking a break” in between detox and rehab, which makes relapsing less likely. However, there are standalone detox programs you can attend if need be.

The two basic options for alcohol detox programs in West Palm Beach include inpatient and outpatient detox.

During inpatient detox, patients will live at the facility during the process. This provides patients with around-the-clock medical attention and support. On the other hand, outpatient detox allows patients to live at home while receiving medical care. Outpatient services may be as simple as visiting your health care professional regularly to get medication.

While inpatient detox offers more services, it is also more expensive. Outpatient detox is a less expensive option for individuals with mild to moderate alcohol use disorders. Also, outpatient detox is effective for people with good physical and mental health, support at home, and a less extensive history of alcohol abuse.

Finding a Reputable Alcohol Detox in West Palm Beach

If you or a loved one are in need of a professional and reputable alcohol detox program, look no further. The Best Treatment center combines alcohol detox with alcohol rehab, providing patients will a full-continuum of care. Dealing with the effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms on your own can be uncomfortable, scary, and even life-threatening. Contact us today to receive individualized and evidence-based addiction treatment in West Palm Beach.