For some people, drinking alcohol is fun on occasion. For others, alcohol can be a deadly trap. Millions of Americans may live with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but unfortunately, only a fraction will receive treatment for this severe condition.
Often, people considering seeking treatment for AUD have many questions, such as: How long does alcohol detox take? Will a detox program for alcohol really help me or my loved one stop drinking? What is the difference between detox and rehab? Learning more about these topics can help empower people seeking help for their drinking to make choices about treatment.
Things to Know About Tarzana, California
Los Angeles, California, is one of the biggest cities in the world. Tarzana is one of its well-known neighborhoods. If you or a loved one needs alcohol detox, Tarzana could be a great place to start looking.
Even though Tarzana is not, strictly speaking, a city, it does enjoy its own unique identity. Located in the San Fernando Valley, the area now known as Tarzana was once a vast ranchland. In the early part of the 20th century, most of that land was purchased by the author Edgar Rice Burroughs who was most famous for his book “Tarzan of the Apes.” He called his ranch “Tarzana,” and the neighborhood kept that moniker.
Facts About Alcohol Detox
It can be difficult to stop drinking for someone who has been drinking heavily or for an extended period. The body of someone struggling with AUD starts to make changes to its processes and functions to account for the presence of alcohol. The sum of these changes is sometimes called “addiction” or “dependence.” Some uncomfortable symptoms can emerge if the person stops taking in alcohol. These are often called “withdrawal symptoms” and result from the body reverting to normal functions.
During treatment in a detox program for alcohol, patients are monitored by medical and therapeutic staff to make sure that they are tolerating withdrawal safely and as comfortably as possible. In the case of alcohol withdrawal, some severe health problems can emerge as a patient’s body struggles to cope with the absence of alcohol. Most of the time, these problems are not life-threatening, but it is always better to be on the safe side and seek professional help when attempting to quit using alcohol.
What Is the Difference Between Detox and Rehab?
The terms “detox” and “rehab” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different things. Detoxification is when the body clears itself of toxins, including alcohol. This can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning the person detoxing does not have to stay in a facility overnight.
On the other hand, rehabilitation is a more long-term process that helps people address the root causes of their addiction and learn how to live without using substances.
How Can an Alcohol Detox Program Help?
The most acute portion of alcohol withdrawal lasts only a week, but the symptoms can be alarming if patients do not expect them. Some people might initially experience milder symptoms, such as the following:
- Anxiety
- Shakiness
- Stomach upset
Still, others may experience hallucinations or even seizures due to their body’s withdrawal from alcohol. Undergoing detox for alcohol can help ensure patients’ safety as they navigate this process and help keep them as comfortable as possible. Often, a detox program is the starting point for a more extended substance use treatment program, allowing patients who have begun the recovery process to continue to improve.
DetoxLA Can Help with Alcohol Detox in Tarzana, California
Our luxury detox center’s patients receive state-of-the-art recovery care in an intimate, family-feeling environment. Conveniently located in the Los Angeles metro area, we offer a full array of programming for every level of care so that our patients can stay connected to the support and treatment they need as they heal from alcohol and substance use disorder. If you or someone you care about has been struggling to quit drinking alcohol, reach out to us at 818.616.7341.