What To Expect At An Alcohol Detox Center In San Antonio

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Expectations of a San Antonio Alcohol Detox Center

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the U.S., with more than 61 million Americans reporting binge drinking in the past month and nearly 29.5 million having an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Despite its legal status and vast popularity, alcohol can also be highly addictive.

Regular heavy drinking can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of alcohol and requires it to function normally. Once dependence develops, attempts to stop drinking are met with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can vary from mild to severe and even life-threatening, and it is never a good idea to detox alone.

Alcohol detox centers in San Antonio can provide the comprehensive care and guidance required to endure withdrawal safely and successfully transition to the next stage of recovery.

Understanding the Need for Alcohol Detox

Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous, especially for individuals with a long history of heavy drinking. Severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens (DTs) can be life-threatening if not managed properly under medical supervision.

Delirium tremens, commonly referred to as DTs, is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal. It typically occurs in individuals with a history of heavy, prolonged alcohol use who suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce their alcohol intake. Symptoms include severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations (often visual), tremors, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, and in severe cases, seizures.

DTs aren’t the only reason to seek medical support when detoxing from alcohol. Seizures can also occur during withdrawal, particularly in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use.

Other potential risks of detoxing on your own include:

  • Cardiovascular problems – Alcohol withdrawal can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms, potentially leading to cardiovascular complications.
  • Dehydration – During withdrawal, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased fluid intake can worsen dehydration, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances, which may affect organ function.
  • Mental health challenges – Alcohol withdrawal can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions or trigger psychiatric symptoms.
  • Relapse risk – Without medical supervision, many people relapse on alcohol during the detox process because they are desperate to ease their discomfort.

Alcohol detox centers in San Antonio provide a safe environment for individuals to undergo withdrawal under the care of medical professionals. Detox centers offer medications, monitoring, and support to manage symptoms and ensure safety throughout the detox process.

Detox centers not only address the physical aspects but also offer psychological support. They often have counselors or therapists who help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of detoxification.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: What Happens While Detoxing

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary widely in severity, depending on the individual’s level of alcohol dependence and other factors. These symptoms typically begin within hours to a few days after the last drink and may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Headaches
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)

Certain underlying medical conditions may exacerbate some symptoms, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Regardless, it can be difficult to know exactly how severe your symptoms will become, so it’s always ideal to seek help from a trusted alcohol detox center near you.

What to Expect at an Alcohol Detox Center in San Antonio

Alcohol detox centers can provide comprehensive care and support to ensure the safety and comfort of those who are detoxing from alcohol. Detox programs in San Antonio provide a range of services, including:

Assessment, Evaluation, and Personalized Care

Upon arrival, individuals will undergo a thorough assessment by medical professionals to evaluate their physical and mental health, history of alcohol use, and any other underlying conditions.

Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed to address the individual’s specific needs during detox. This plan may include medication-assisted treatment (if necessary), psychological support, and an estimated timeline for the detox process.

Medical Stabilization

Once admitted to the facility, individuals are closely monitored by medical staff to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms. Medications may be administered to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of severe withdrawal complications.

For alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepines are usually prescribed. Individuals’ dosages are gradually reduced as their body adjusts to functioning without alcohol. Since benzodiazepines affect some of the same areas in the brain as alcohol, they can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications like seizures.

In addition to medications, alcohol detox centers in San Antonio typically offer daily medical and clinical check-ins to address any emergent issues and provide continuous support throughout the detox process.

Therapeutic Support

Apart from medical care, alcohol detox centers often provide counseling, therapy, or support groups to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of withdrawal. Group, individual, family, and peer-led sessions may be available. Additionally, some detox centers in San Antonio offer holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, or nutritional counseling to promote overall well-being during recovery.

Treatment Planning and Transition

Detox is the first step toward recovery. After detox, individuals are often encouraged to continue treatment, such as counseling, therapy, or participation in support groups, to address the underlying reasons for their alcohol use.

Before you leave an alcohol detox center in San Antonio, a counselor will meet with you to learn about your situation, identify your goals for treatment, and assess your needs so they can provide you with a referral to a local rehab center that is right for you. The counselor will ensure a seamless transition from alcohol detox to rehab so you can maintain your sobriety and get the support you need.

Start Your Recovery at our San Antonio Alcohol Detox Center

Flourishing Foundations Recovery can guide you or your loved one on the path to long-term recovery in a controlled, safe, and supportive environment. Located in San Antonio, Texas, our premier alcohol detox center offers medical detox services to the greater San Antonio area.

With an intimate setting and a dedication to patient care, you can rest assured that you or your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care possible. There is no excuse to wait. The time to get sober is now–and we can help you build a solid foundation upon which the rest of your recovery can flourish. Call now to start your recovery.