Starting detox is a brave first step. A medical detox for alcohol keeps you safe while your body clears alcohol, manages alcohol withdrawal, and prepares you for the next phase of treatment. This guide explains what happens in supervised care, the typical detox timeline, common withdrawal symptoms, and how Promises Dallas-Fort Worth coordinates your recovery.
If you’re ready to get started with a detox program for alcohol or have any questions, call 888.488.6153 or contact Promises DFW online.
Overview: What is medical alcohol detox?
Medical alcohol detox is a short, supervised phase of care that helps you stabilize, treat alcohol withdrawal, and transition to ongoing treatment. The goals are simple: stay safe, reduce symptoms, prevent complications like seizures, and connect you to continuing addiction treatment. For moderate alcohol withdrawal or severe alcohol withdrawal risk, medically supervised detoxification is recommended over at‑home detox because complications can become life threatening without rapid medical support.
If you’d like to learn more about how detox works at Promises DFW, explore our detox services page.
Alcohol withdrawal: causes, risks, and symptoms
Heavy or long‑term alcohol use dampens brain activity because alcohol and other central nervous system depressants slow signaling. Over time, your brain adapts and becomes more excitable to keep you functioning. When alcohol use stops, this rebound overactivity drives alcohol withdrawal.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe physical symptoms:
- Anxiety, irritability, tremor, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia
- Fast pulse, elevated blood pressure, increased body temperature
- Hallucinosis, which includes seeing or hearing things that are not there
Serious complications include seizures and delirium tremens, a severe form of withdrawal that can be life threatening. Risk factors include a history of withdrawal seizures, older age, heavy daily alcohol use, and medical comorbidities. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcohol use disorder affects millions, and many will experience withdrawal when stopping alcohol use.
Detox timeline: what to expect
Alcohol withdrawal usually follows a predictable arc after the last drink. Timelines vary, especially if other substances are involved.
- 6 to 12 hours after the last drink, early symptoms often start, such as tremor, anxiety, nausea, sweating, and poor sleep.
- 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, symptoms can escalate, and some people develop hallucinosis.
- 48 to 72 hours after the last drink, seizure risk peaks, and delirium tremens may appear, so intensive monitoring is essential.
- 3 to 7 days after the last drink, most people stabilize, although some symptoms can linger. A typical medical detox lasts about 2 to 7 days.
Medical monitoring during detox (24/7 care)
Care begins with an admission assessment that reviews your medical history, substance use, medications, and allergies, then includes labs and vital signs. Clinicians often use the CIWA‑AR scale to track alcohol withdrawal and guide treatment.
Continuous monitoring focuses on:
- Vitals, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and body temperature
- Oxygen levels and hydration
- Withdrawal scoring at set intervals
- Seizure precautions and quiet, low‑stimulus environment
Safety protocols also address fall risk, aspiration prevention, and sleep support. This supervised care reduces risks that can become life threatening during peak withdrawal.
Detox medications and supportive care
During medical alcohol detox, medication-assisted treatment plays a crucial role in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing serious complications. This approach involves the use of medications prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals to ease physical discomfort, reduce cravings, and stabilize vital signs. Alongside medication-assisted treatment, supportive care includes monitoring vitals, providing hydration and nutrition through oral or intravenous fluids, and creating a calm, quiet environment to promote healing. Vitamins, especially thiamine, are administered early to prevent neurological complications such as Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, with additional supplements like folate and magnesium given as needed. This comprehensive care model aims to ensure safety, comfort, and readiness for the next phase of addiction treatment.
Important notes about other substances
Many people use other substances along with alcohol. Opioid withdrawal, stimulant withdrawal, and benzodiazepine withdrawal require different protocols. Tell your team about all substances you use so we can design safe care for any substance withdrawal during detoxification. Using alcohol with opioids or other medications raises risk, especially for breathing problems.
Inpatient alcohol detox vs outpatient alcohol detox
- Inpatient detox provides 24/7 medical monitoring, rapid response, and is best for moderate alcohol withdrawal or higher severity, co‑occurring medical or psychiatric disorders, or limited support at home.
- Outpatient detox can be safe for mild alcohol withdrawal in medically stable people with strong daily support and the ability to return for frequent check‑ins.
At Promises Dallas, screening and assessment help determine the right level of care. If you need a structured next step, explore alcohol rehab to continue treatment services after stabilization.
The Promises Dallas detox program
Our Dallas alcohol and drug detox center offers supervised care, evidence‑based withdrawal support, and coordinated transitions to ongoing treatment. Clinicians may use a symptom‑triggered medication-assisted taper when indicated and tailor protocols to your needs. If you live with a co‑occurring use disorder or mental health concern, integrated care planning begins during detox. For an overview of programs that follow detoxification, visit alcohol addiction treatment.
Rehab after detox and aftercare planning
Detox is the first step, not the finish line. Next levels of care can include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient therapy. Aftercare planning covers relapse‑prevention skills, therapy, peer support, and recovery coaching. Post‑detox medications for alcohol use disorder, naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram, may reduce craving or support abstinence. Recovery is a process, and our team will help you map the recovery process and supports that fit your goals.
Alcohol detox near Dallas and surrounding areas
We serve adults from Dallas, Dallas County, and nearby communities such as Plano, Frisco, Irving, Arlington, and Fort Worth. In‑person admissions are available, and our team can discuss transportation options when possible. Same‑day admission may be available. Please contact our team to discuss current options.
Detox cost and insurance coverage for detox
Detox cost varies with level of care, length of stay, medications, intensity of monitoring, and whether other substances are involved. Many health plans include benefits for alcohol use disorder and substance use disorders. Our staff can review benefits and insurance options with you during your first call. Because every plan differs, we provide personalized estimates after your assessment.
Get started with medically supervised alcohol detox in Dallas
If you are considering detox, take the next step with our detox services by calling 888.488.6153 or contacting Promises DFW online. For further education about alcohol use and treatment, you can also review NIAAA guidance on finding quality care. We’re standing by, ready to proviode
FAQs
How long does medical detox take?
Most people complete detox in 2 to 7 days, though some symptoms can linger a few days longer, especially sleep or mood changes. The exact course depends on severity, co‑occurring disorders, and response to treatment.
Is at‑home detox safe?
At‑home detox can be dangerous for moderate to severe cases. Alcohol withdrawal can escalate quickly and become life threatening. Medical supervision is recommended for anyone with risk factors, a prior complicated withdrawal, or uncertain severity.
Will I receive medications during detox?
Yes, medications are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent seizures, and protect your health. You will also receive thiamine and hydration. Other medications are added based on your symptoms and medical needs.
What happens after detox?
You will transition directly into ongoing treatment with a handoff to the next level of care. We help you select treatment options, set follow‑up appointments, and build a plan to stay sober.
