Unveiling the Cost of Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholism (clinically referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder, or AUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by compulsive alcohol use despite adverse consequences.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 27.1 million American adults (age 18 or older), or about 10.3%of that demographic, met criteria for an AUD in the past year. The human cost of alcohol addiction is striking, as excessive alcohol use leads to around 178,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it a leading preventable cause of mortality.
For individuals confronting alcohol dependence, the availability of high-quality addiction recovery services is vital, especially for the safe withdrawal from alcohol. In Arizona, Buena Vista Health & Recovery is recognized as a leading alcohol recovery center, offering medically supervised detox in a safe, supportive environment. Our Chandler and Tucson detox programs, which feature private rooms and 24/7 medical supervision, aim to safely and comfortably ease withdrawal symptoms, paving the way for a long-term recovery.
Recognizing the Nuances of Alcohol Abuse Disorder
Noticing the early signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can make a big difference in helping someone you care about get the support they need. Alcohol problems often develop slowly and can affect every part of a person’s life, from relationships and work to physical and emotional health.
Some common warning signs to look for include:
- Drinking more often or in larger amounts than intended
- Needing to drink more over time to feel the same effects
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from hangovers
- Wanting to cut back but being unable to
- Drinking that’s affecting home life, job, or relationships
- Drinking in unsafe situations, like before driving
- Having memory gaps or “blackouts” after drinking
- Continuing to drink even when it worsens anxiety, depression, or mood changes
You might also notice these withdrawal symptoms if drinking is stopped or cut back:
- Shaking hands or trembling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping or intense sweating
- Fever, confusion, or, in severe cases, hallucinations or seizures
WHY IS A MEDICALLY MONITORED ALCOHOL DETOX IMPORTANT?
Why a Medically Monitored Alcohol Detox Matters
Detox is the critical first step in recovering from alcohol dependence; it’s also one of the most challenging. After heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption, the body has to readjust to functioning without alcohol. This sudden change can trigger withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. That’s why a medically monitored detox is so helpful: it provides safety, comfort, and professional support during this vulnerable stage.
The severity of withdrawal depends on several factors, including:
- How much and how often a person has been drinking
- Overall health and any underlying medical conditions
- Previous experiences with withdrawal or detox
Under the care of a medical team, many of the most uncomfortable symptoms, like anxiety, nausea, severe mood changes, and intense cravings, can be closely managed. Supervised detox can also help prevent or treat more serious complications like:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Severe dehydration
- Delirium Tremens (DTs), a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur 2–5 days after the last drink and may involve fever, disorientation, shaking, and dangerously high blood pressure
Attempting detox alone can be risky, even if you or someone you know has gone through withdrawal before. In fact, repeated detox attempts can increase the likelihood of severe symptoms and complications.
At Buena Vista Recovery, our medically supervised detox program in Arizona is designed to make this first step safer and more manageable. Our compassionate team monitors each patient around the clock, offering medical care, emotional support, and a plan for the next stage of recovery once detox is complete.
BENEFITS OF A PROFESSIONAL ALCOHOL DETOX CENTER
Choosing a professional alcohol detox center over solo attempts provides many benefits. These include:
- Reduced withdrawal symptoms
- Less intense alcohol cravings
- A safer detox process
- Minimized risk of ongoing alcohol abuse or relapse
- Improved ability to think clearly and focus on recovery
Without medical assistance in the detox process, you become more likely to drink to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings. At worst, you may drink more excessively to feel better faster, increasing the risk of an overdose.
The Physiology Behind Alcohol Withdrawl: A Deeper Dive?
Alcohol’s impact on the body and brain is profound, exerting a depressant effect and altering nerve communication. Prolonged alcohol use prompts the body to adapt continually, demanding increased brain activity to maintain equilibrium.
Upon abrupt cessation or significant reduction in alcohol consumption, the body undergoes a shock as it endeavors to rebalance brain chemicals independently, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. The timeline of symptoms varies, with mild manifestations appearing within six hours and more severe effects emerging between 12 to 48 hours post-drink. Severe and life-threatening symptoms can persist for up to 72 hours from your last drink.
Inpatient Alcohol Detoxification: A Comprehensive Approach
Inpatient alcohol detoxification is a structured and comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with a supportive environment as they navigate the challenging phase of detox. This approach ensures that individuals receive round-the-clock care, monitoring, and access to a range of services aimed at addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
- Structured Environment: Inpatient alcohol detoxification at Buena Vista unfolds within a carefully structured environment. This setting is designed to minimize external stressors and triggers, offering a respite where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery.
- Continuous Monitoring: One of the distinctive features of inpatient detoxification is continuous monitoring. Throughout the detox process, individuals are under the close supervision of experienced medical professionals.
- Medical Support: Buena Vista’s inpatient alcohol detox program provides access to a team of board-certified physicians and highly qualified nursing staff. These professionals are well-versed in managing the complexities of alcohol withdrawal.
- Personalized Care: Inpatient programs are inherently individualized, recognizing that each person’s journey through detox is unique. Buena Vista’s approach involves the development of personalized treatment plans.
- Therapeutic Interventions: In addition to medical support, the inpatient alcohol detox program integrates therapeutic interventions to address the psychological aspects of addiction. Individual and group therapy sessions provide a platform for individuals to explore the root causes of their alcohol abuse.
- Holistic Approach: Buena Vista’s commitment to a holistic approach extends to the inpatient alcohol detox program. Beyond medical and therapeutic interventions, individuals benefit from amenities such as private inpatient rooms with Netflix access, gourmet meals, and regular individual therapy sessions.
- Legal and Aftercare Support: The inpatient program at Buena Vista goes beyond the immediate detoxification phase. Individuals receive support for legal issues that may have arisen due to their alcohol use, helping them navigate these challenges.
- Individual Case Managers: Each individual enrolled in the inpatient alcohol detox program is assigned an individual case manager. This dedicated professional serves as a point of contact, providing ongoing support, addressing concerns, and assisting in coordinating various aspects of the individual’s care.
- Comfortable Environment: Buena Vista recognizes the importance of creating a comfortable and supportive environment during the detoxification journey. Private inpatient rooms, equipped with amenities like Netflix access, contribute to a sense of privacy and relaxation.
Buena Vista’s inpatient alcohol detoxification program is a holistic and personalized approach to recovery. By combining medical expertise, continuous monitoring, therapeutic interventions, and individualized care, this program offers individuals a comprehensive and supportive environment to navigate the critical phase of detox and set the stage for a successful recovery journey.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AFTER AN ALCOHOL DETOX?
Detox addresses only the physical aspects of addiction. After you successfully get through alcohol detox treatment, you want to continue your lifelong journey to full recovery and long-term sobriety.
Buena Vista offers a range of rehabilitative services at our alcohol detox center for people in state and out of state to help them understand the causes of their addiction and continue their battle against alcohol abuse. Our services include individual and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and professional monitoring.
WHY BUENA VISTA?
At Buena Vista, we prioritize your health and safety through an individualized care approach. Our physicians and counselors are available 24 hours a day to help keep you out of danger, minimize the symptoms you’re experiencing, and discuss your treatment options following the detox.
Additionally, we provide greater care, support, and comfort with:
- Private inpatient rooms with Netflix access for downtime
- Daily visits with your doctor
- Gourmet meals and snacks
- Master-level, licensed therapists
- Smoking permitted for patients 21 and older
- Individual case managers
- Regular individual therapy sessions
- Assistance with transportation
- Support for legal issues
- Aftercare planning
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUENA VISTA ALCOHOL DETOX CENTER?
Learning more about our treatment options, including our alcohol detox program, can benefit you or a loved one struggling with alcohol addiction. We’ll provide you with the details and tools needed to make an informed decision as to whether our programs align with your needs.
If you’d like more information about one of our treatment programs, here are your next steps:
- Use this link and fill out the form.
- Once you’ve submitted our contact form, one of our caring and knowledgeable addiction professionals will contact you to discuss your individual needs. We can also answer questions and develop a potential treatment plan.
- You decide whether to enroll in treatment. If you choose to get help, we’ll get you started with your personalized plan at one of our locations as soon as possible.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Before recovery can begin, you must go through detox with all its side effects. Alcohol detox can cause serious physical harm—the delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures can be fatal. Our board-certified physicians and highly qualified, experienced nursing staff closely monitor every patient to keep him or her safe and as comfortable as possible. Alcohol detox usually takes about a week, although it varies by individual.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe; those who drink more generally experience more intense symptoms. The staff at our Arizona alcohol detox center is dedicated to helping you get through withdrawal symptoms.
Ready to regain control of your life? Take the first step on your journey to addiction recovery today.
Buena Vista Recovery works with most insurance plans, including but not limited to Cigna, Magellan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Aetna, among others. On rare occasions, if a plan is not included in our network, our clinical outreach director will assist you in finding a placement in your network.
