Alcohol abuse affects millions of Americans a year, not just those who suffer from addiction. Traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence are one of the most significant preventable causes of death in the US. When people suffer from the disease of alcohol addiction, it can shatter their lives and those of the people who love them. Family, health, financial stability, and career can all suffer due to long-term alcohol abuse. Escaping the grip of addiction can be one of the most difficult things a person can do. With help from professionals, this challenge is far easier. Fortunately, there’s an addiction rehab and medically supervised alcohol detox in Pennsylvania that can help you or someone you love who is ready to begin recovery from alcohol addiction.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) has been helping people reclaim their sobriety for more than 60 years. Experience combined with training and genuine compassion makes our team of professionals the best in their fields. If you or someone you love is dealing with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), you probably have a lot of questions. “How does alcohol rehab work?” “Does rehab help prevent relapse?” “How long does alcohol withdrawal last?” “What can addiction rehab do to help with detox?” These questions and more can be answered by one of our staff if you reach out by calling 844.442.8673 or by using this simple online form.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The symptoms of withdrawal can be painful and, at times, dangerous. Therefore, alcohol withdrawal needs to take place in a professional, medically supervised detox center where you can be given medications that will ease the most severe symptoms. Being under the care of a doctor and other medical practitioners will ensure that any mental or physical disorders that emerge during the detox period can be addressed quickly and safely.
Detox does not have a strict timeline. In fact, it differs depending on age, gender, co-occurring disorders, length and severity of addiction. It also depends on whether there’s an addiction to more than one substance. Generally speaking, however, the process of withdrawal from alcohol follows the timeline outlined below.
- Six-12 hours – headache, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and anxiety
- 12-48 hours – withdrawal starts peaking and can include hallucinations and seizures—medical care is critical at this point
- 48-72 hours – continued discomfort along with racing heart, fever, confusion, hypertension, and the possibility of delirium tremens, which can be fatal if not properly handled by a physician
- 72 hours and beyond – symptoms gradually diminish until physical withdrawal is complete, usually within the next seven days
All of the symptoms that accompany withdrawal from alcohol can be mitigated by your medical team when you are in a professional detox program.
Why Medical Detox?
Medically managed withdrawal in a detox facility has important benefits. For example, professional detox programs:
- Reduce the possibility of serious health complications
- Support those with co-occurring mental health issues, which may not have been previously diagnosed or understood due to addiction
- Minimize the risk of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), also referred to as prolonged withdrawal syndrome, which manifests in numerous impairments that continue for weeks or months after stopping alcohol use
- Increase rehab retention rates
- Improve recovery outcomes by reducing the risk of relapse and overdose
Long-term alcohol abuse has numerous side effects and consequences. It’s possible to reduce or eliminate both by committing to professional detox and rehab.
PAATC – Alcohol Detox in Pennsylvania
At PAATC, we offer residential and outpatient rehab programs. However, our medically supported detox is an inpatient program that sets you up for success in whatever rehab option you choose to step into once your withdrawal is complete.
Our evidence-based therapies and faith-based programs provide meaningful options for everyone. Find out more by speaking to one of our staff today. Call us at 844.442.8673 or use our online form to connect.
