We hear a lot of questions about alcohol detox. Many are unfamiliar with the process and wonder how it works as well as how their body is going to react. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to detoxing and provided answers to them. Check out these alcohol detox FAQs.
FAQs About Alcohol Detox
Why do you have vivid dreams when you stop drinking?
One of the ways your body and brain react to the lack of alcohol is vivid dreams. When you stop consuming alcohol, the brain reacts, and your sleep cycle gets off. The brain’s reaction and crazy sleep cycles can cause you to experience very vividly realistic dreams. Most of the time, the imbalance in your sleep cycle will resolve in a week or two, and the dreams will subside.
How do I cope with not drinking?
When you stop drinking alcohol, you make a significant change in your life. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s hard, really hard to do. Staying focused on reaching your goals is the secret to enduring not drinking. One of the best things you can do is fill your time with meaningful activities. Do things that keep your mind and body engaged.
How can I naturally remove alcohol from my system?
You can help your body naturally remove alcohol from your system by using alcohol detox supplements. Alcohol depletes the body of many important nutrients. As a result, withdrawal symptoms can be enhanced due to nutrient deficiencies. Supplements can help reduce anxiety, replenish important nutrients, and naturally detox the body of alcohol.
Can I go cold turkey instead of going through alcohol detox?
Cold turkey withdrawals can be uncomfortable and intense. In some instances, individuals suffer severe symptoms. When you go through alcohol detox, you won’t be alone. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by people who understand how difficult it is to detox. You will learn strategies for coping and changing your life to reduce the chances of returning to the alcoholic lifestyle. There are also natural supplements to help you work through the process when you go through detox.
What are the common symptoms during alcohol withdrawal?
The symptoms experienced during alcohol withdrawal can vary depending on how much and how regularly you consumed alcohol. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may vary based on how long it has been since your last drink. Symptoms commonly experienced during withdrawal include:
- Appetite changes
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle pains
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations
How long does it take to detox from alcohol?
How long it takes for alcohol to be completely out of your bloodstream depends on numerous factors, including gender, age, genetic makeup, health, and your history of alcohol use. Withdrawal usually starts within about eight hours of your final drink. For most people who begin the process of detoxing, symptoms peak between 24 and 72 hours. After about a week, most people begin to stabilize. However, there may be physical cravings and psychological symptoms that need to be addressed for months.
Is rapid detox safe?
No. Rapid detox or anesthesia-assisted detox uses sedation and medications to help get the toxins out of the body. It sounds good, but the process poses many potential dangers. It can increase the risk of heart attacks, aggravation of mental disorders, relapse, enlarged heart, electrolyte abnormalities, suicidal thoughts, and death.
Is weight gain common after quitting alcohol?
Gaining weight after quitting alcohol is quite common. This can be good if you were experiencing low sugar levels or were malnourished. But unwanted weight gain can be overwhelming. You may find that you eat more during recovery. Some switch to food to help them cope. Be patient with your body and follow healthy eating and exercise habits, and your weight should level out over time.
Is insomnia normal while detoxing?
Insomnia is very common while detoxing. It’s a withdrawal symptom that occurs as your body, mind, and spirit slowly readjust to not having mood-altering chemicals in the body.
What should I expect during detox?
As the amount of alcohol in your body gradually reduces, you may experience different withdrawal symptoms. They may range from mild to severe. It’s important to know that each individual’s detoxing experience is unique. You may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sweating, shaking, and increased heart rate. You may also experience very vivid dreams or have trouble sleeping altogether. Psychological symptoms may include depression, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and extreme mood swings. Severe withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, delirium, or hallucinations. Most people work through detox in 7 to 10 days. Be patient with yourself as your body adjusts to a new normal.
Conclusion: Alcohol Detox FAQs
These are the questions we hear most about alcohol detox. If you have questions and did not find your answers here, please reach out. Let us help you dominate alcohol and live your best life.
