How to Get Alcohol Out of Your System
The fact of the matter is that once an individual stops drinking, alcohol leaves the system relatively quickly. Usually, alcohol leaves the body in roughly 24 hours (depending on the severity of alcohol consumption). However, to get alcohol out of your system safely is the most important factor to consider. This is especially true for individuals who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD affects millions of people in the U.S. and around the globe. In fact, AUD is the most common addiction in the world. Yet, many people who struggle with AUD are unaware that they even have a problem.
Many people also struggle with co-occurring disorders of AUD and mental health. This can make getting proper help even more difficult as one issue often overshadows the other and can lead to a lack of diagnosis. This is also why it can be so important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of AUD.
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Many people who struggle with AUD are either unaware that they have a problem or they are in denial about it. This is not their fault; it is merely the nature of addiction.
Of course, the signs and symptoms of AUD are going to vary based on individual factors. However, there are some universal signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of AUD in yourself or a loved one. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Not being able to stop drinking once started
- Experiencing excessive headaches and “hangovers”
- Having gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Having feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and uselessness
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Committing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these can be particularly significant symptoms. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help sooner than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How to Get Alcohol Out of Your System?
The best way to get alcohol out of one’s system is to stop consuming alcohol. However, it is important to understand that for someone struggling with AUD, simply stopping the consumption of alcohol can be very dangerous.
The reality is that there is no “magic” way to speed up the metabolism of alcohol in one’s body. However, drinking plenty of liquids (especially water) can help flush the alcohol out of one’s system after it has been metabolized. Ultimately, the best way to get alcohol out of one’s system is with a safe and secure detox.
How to Get Alcohol Out of Your System With a Detox
Many people don’t realize that alcohol is actually one of the most dangerous substances to detox from. In fact, if not careful, detoxing from alcohol can even be deadly.
This is why detoxing in the care of addiction professionals is pivotal. These professionals can ensure that an individual is both as comfortable as possible and safe. This is by ensuring that the alcohol gets out of one’s system safely and in a measured manner.
A safe and secure detox will also make sure that proper nutrient replenishment takes place and that an individual remains hydrated. A detox is also crucial because it connects people to the next steps of their recovery.
How to Keep Alcohol Out of Your System With Recovery
Most people who complete the detox process take the next steps of either entering a residential or outpatient addiction program. To be effective, these recovery programs should use a multitude of modalities, means, and methods.
These methods include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They should also include experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy. Lastly, one should also take a holistic approach to recovery by utilizing modalities like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
It is also important for people in recovery from AUD to connect to other people who have also been through the same experiences. In fact, it has long been said in 12-Step recovery that connecting with other people in recovery is the best way to stay recovered and avoid a potential relapse.
Healing Whole Mind-Body-Soul With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in making a difference. We call it the Phoenix difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Recovery is all about the journey, never the destination. That journey can all start with us here at The Phoenix Recovery Center. There is hope. We can help.
Alcohol tends to stay in one’s system for a relatively short time. However, this does not minimize its destructiveness. Ultimately, the best way to get alcohol out of one’s system is to stop imbibing it (safely, of course) and seek professional help, starting with a safe and secure detox process. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about how to best get alcohol out of your system, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
