What to Expect at an Alcohol Detox Center in North Carolina

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Alcoholism is the unofficial term for alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is characterized by a pattern of problematic alcohol abuse. According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.6% in this age group) had AUD in the past year.”[1]

Alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, however, all forms of alcoholism require professional treatment. The first phase of treatment is detox.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism and are looking for an alcohol detox center in North Carolina, please contact the caring specialists at Carolina Center for Recovery today.

What is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the first step in recovering from alcoholism. It is important to note that detox cannot cure addiction–you must continue to attend inpatient or outpatient alcoholism treatment to address the emotional and psychological aspects of your alcohol abuse.

Alcohol detox centers are intended to help you overcome withdrawal symptoms in a safe and comfortable setting. Alcohol withdrawal can be severe and begins as early as 6 to 24 hours after your last drink.

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:[2]

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Problems sleeping
• Shakiness
• Unstable blood pressure and heart rate
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal can also cause delirium tremens (DTs), a less common, but life-threatening condition. DTs can make you restless, upset, and confused and cause fever, hallucinations, and seizures.

What to Expect During Alcohol Detox in North Carolina

While alcohol withdrawal can be scary and life-threatening, medical detox prevents you from experiencing the more severe aspects of this condition. By using a combination of health monitoring and medications, alcohol detox centers in North Carolina will keep you stable and comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.

If you are considering attending an alcohol detox program, here is what you can expect:

Initial Assessment

As soon as you arrive at an alcohol detox center you will receive an initial assessment. These assessments gather information about your substance abuse, mental health, physical health, and family history. Then, this information is used to create an individualized treatment plan that is designed to target your specific needs during your stay in detox.

Medical Stabilization

After your assessment, you will begin the medical stabilization portion of detox. Throughout the entire detox process, your vital signs will be monitored to ensure that you are in good health. If any problems arise, the medical team will address them immediately to keep you stable.

In addition to 24/7 monitoring, you will receive medications to soothe your symptoms. Oftentimes, benzodiazepines like diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, or lorazepam are used to keep your symptoms at bay.[3] While these substances can be abused, medical staff will only give you the exact dose you need to remain comfortable during withdrawal.

Over time, you will be tapered off of your detox medications. Once your withdrawal symptoms subside, you will not need to stay on medication anymore.

Treatment Planning

After you are completely medically stabilized, you will begin treatment planning with a substance abuse counselor or advisor. Because detox is only the first step in alcoholism recovery, the staff members at a detox facility will help you determine what your next steps should be.

Typically, people enter inpatient treatment after they complete detox. This type of program requires you to live at the facility while you receive therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention skills. However, individuals who need to be able to continue working or caring for children might transition into an outpatient alcohol rehab facility.

Find an Alcohol Detox Center in North Carolina Today

If you or a loved one suffer from alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help.

At Carolina Center for Recovery, we understand how hard it is to commit to an alcohol detox program. However, we can provide you with everything you need to feel comfortable, supported, and safe during your stay. To learn more about our alcohol detox programs in North Carolina, please contact us today.

References:

1. The National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States, Retrieved June 2023 From https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
2. The National Institutes of Health (NIH): Alcohol Withdrawal, Retrieved June 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/
3. The National Institutes of Health (NIH): Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Benzodiazepines and Beyond, Retrieved June 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/