Alcohol Detox Explained: What to Expect

💡Alcohol detox occurs in a hospital or treatment facility, where you are medically supervised 24/7.

🩺Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include shakiness, sweats, nausea, and even hallucinations.

🔐It is crucial to go through alcohol detox in a supervised setting to ensure safety.

⏳Benzodiazepines are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms, and the dose is gradually reduced over 5-7 days.

🔄Detox is just the first step in the recovery process, and it's essential to continue with therapy and support after detox.

What is alcohol detox?

—Alcohol detox is a process that occurs in a hospital or treatment facility, where individuals are medically supervised 24/7 as they go through withdrawal from alcohol.

What are the common withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox?

—Common withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox include shakiness, sweats, nausea, and even hallucinations. In severe cases, individuals may experience delirium tremens and seizures.

Why is it important to go through alcohol detox in a supervised setting?

—It is crucial to go through alcohol detox in a supervised setting to ensure safety. Medical professionals can monitor vital signs, manage withdrawal symptoms, and provide appropriate medications.

What medications are commonly used during alcohol detox?

—Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Ativan, are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox.

Is detox the end of the recovery process?

—No, detox is just the first step in the recovery process. It is essential to continue with therapy, counseling, and support after detox to maintain sobriety and address underlying issues.

00:00Dr. Andrew Kim explains what alcohol detox is and what to expect when going through it.

02:59Alcohol detox occurs in a hospital or treatment facility, where individuals are medically supervised 24/7.

06:00Withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox can be severe and may include shakiness, sweats, nausea, and hallucinations.

09:55It is crucial to go through alcohol detox in a supervised setting to ensure safety.

12:23Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Ativan, are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox.

16:10Detox is just the first step in the recovery process, and it's essential to continue with therapy and support after detox.