Alcohol addiction is a widespread health concern that affects millions of Americans every year. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), over 29 million people aged 12 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in 2022. For those ready to take the first step toward sobriety, alcohol detox is the essential starting point.
At Arizona Care Continuum (ACC) in Phoenix, AZ, we specialize in medically supervised alcohol detox and offer a full continuum of addiction treatment services. Our expert team is dedicated to helping individuals safely navigate the withdrawal process and transition into long-term recovery.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand:

What alcohol detox is
How long alcohol detox takes
The detox process
Withdrawal symptoms and risks
Why medical supervision is crucial
What to expect at ACC
And more

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from the body after a person stops drinking. When someone has developed a physical dependence on alcohol, stopping use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to life-threatening.

Detox is not a cure for addiction. Instead, it’s a medically managed process that prepares the body and mind for further treatment. Attempting detox without professional help can be dangerous due to the potential severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

We provide 24/7 medical supervision, symptom management, and emotional support during detox to ensure safety, comfort, and a strong foundation for continued care.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?

The alcohol detox timeline varies from person to person, but most people complete the acute detox phase within 5 to 7 days. However, physical and emotional symptoms can linger longer for some.

General Alcohol Detox Timeline:

6–12 Hours After Last Drink:

Mild symptoms begin: anxiety, nausea, sweating, headache, insomnia

24–48 Hours:

Symptoms intensify: high blood pressure, tremors, confusion, & increased heart rate,
Risk of seizures begins

48–72 Hours:

Peak withdrawal phase
Delirium Tremens may occur in severe cases
Constant medical supervision required

Day 4–7:

Physical symptoms gradually subside
Emotional and psychological symptoms may persist

Beyond 1 Week:

Some individuals experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) with lingering symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and mood swings for weeks or months

Our medical team closely monitors patients throughout the detox process and adjusts treatment as needed to ensure safety and comfort.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can vary based on several factors including how much and how often a person drank, their physical health, and whether they’ve gone through withdrawal before.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

Sweating
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Anxiety or irritability
Insomnia
Tremors (shaking hands)

Severe Symptoms:

Seizures
Hallucinations (auditory, visual, or tactile)
Disorientation or confusion
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Fever
Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Getting help early and receiving medical care is important to avoid complications and control symptoms properly.

The Alcohol Detox Process at ACC in Phoenix, AZ

We follow a structured and personalized alcohol detox protocol to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

1. Comprehensive Intake & Assessment

Your detox journey starts with a complete medical and psychological assessment. We assess your physical health, mental health history, level of alcohol dependence, and any co-occurring disorders. This information helps us develop a customized detox plan.

2. Medical Stabilization & Monitoring

We provide 24/7 supervision by a team of licensed physicians, nurses, and addiction specialists. Our medical staff monitors:

Heart rate
Blood pressure
Oxygen levels
Neurological function

Medications may be given to help ease withdrawal symptoms and lower risks. Commonly used medications include:

Benzodiazepines: To reduce anxiety and prevent seizures
Anticonvulsants: For seizure control
Beta-blockers: To manage blood pressure and heart rate
Vitamins and IV fluids: To correct nutritional deficiencies and dehydration

3. Emotional & Psychological Support

Alcohol detox can cause various mental health symptoms, such as::

Depression
Panic attacks
Suicidal ideation

We provide emotional support through:

One-on-one counseling
Psychiatric evaluations
Crisis intervention if needed

4. Transition to Ongoing Treatment

Detox is the first step—not the end—of recovery. After stabilization, patients at ACC are seamlessly transitioned into one of our evidence-based treatment programs, such as:

Inpatient Residential Treatment
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Dual Diagnosis Treatment (for co-occurring mental health disorders)

Who Needs Alcohol Detox?

You may need professional detox if you:

Drink daily or binge heavily
Have experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past
Use alcohol to avoid withdrawal or emotional pain
Have co-occurring medical or mental health issues
Experience blackouts, seizures, or hallucinations from alcohol use
Tried to quit and couldn’t

If any of the above applies to you or a loved one, seeking professional help is critical. The sooner you start, the better your chances of long-term recovery.

Why Is Alcohol Detox Important?

Alcohol detox is critical because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous—even fatal—without medical intervention. Symptoms can begin as early as six hours after the last drink and may escalate rapidly.

Risks of Unsupervised Alcohol Detox:

Delirium Tremens (DTs): A life-threatening condition causing confusion, hallucinations, fever, and seizures
Seizures: Common in chronic heavy drinkers during withdrawal
Severe Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance
Heart Irregularities and High Blood Pressure
Mental Health Crises: Including suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and severe anxiety

For individuals who have been drinking heavily over an extended period, detoxing under medical supervision is not only safer but often necessary.

Why Choose Arizona Care Continuum for Alcohol Detox in Phoenix?

Choosing the right detox center can make all the difference in recovery. At Arizona Care Continuum, we are committed to providing the highest level of care in a supportive and professional environment.

Why ACC Stands Out:

Board-Certified Addiction Specialists
Dual Diagnosis Expertise
24/7 Medical Supervision
Modern, Comfortable Facility in Phoenix, AZ
Individualized Care Plans
Smooth and Continuous Care—from Detox through Aftercare
Support for Families and Loved Ones

We’re here for more than just detox—we’re here to help you reclaim your life.

Alcohol Detox FAQs

Q: Can I detox from alcohol at home?
A: While some mild cases may be managed at home under medical advice, detoxing without supervision is dangerous and can be life-threatening. ACC strongly recommends professional detox for safety and effectiveness.

Q: Is alcohol detox covered by insurance?
A: In many cases, yes. Most major insurance providers cover medically necessary detox. Our team can assist you with insurance verification and explain your next steps.

Q: What happens after detox?
A: Detox is followed by ongoing treatment tailored to your needs. Wwe offer a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and holistic treatment.

Begin Your Recovery Today with ACC

Don’t wait if you or a loved one is facing alcohol addiction. A healthier, sober life starts with professional, supervised detox.

Arizona Care Continuum (ACC) in Phoenix is here to guide you through every phase of recovery. From detox to long-term care, our dedicated team is ready to help you regain control of your life.

Alcohol Detox in Phoenix, AZ: A Complete Guide to Safe Recovery