Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms can feel overwhelming. You might be worried about how long you will feel sick, whether it is safe to detox at home, and what kind of help you or a loved one may need. Choosing to stop drinking and face alcohol withdrawal is an important decision for you or your loved one.
Texas Recovery Centers offers Texans in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area licensed, one-on-one patient treatment for those experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms in a judgment-free, safe environment. The program supports patients through their first steps of recovery and uses evidence-based therapies, holistic support, and FDA-approved medications as part of individualized care plans.
A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that alcohol use is common across the United States, with more than 75% of individuals age 12 and older reporting lifetime alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking and binge drinking patterns increase the risk of alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal when someone tries to stop.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who has been drinking heavily or regularly stops drinking suddenly or cuts back sharply. Over time, the brain and body adapt to alcohol. When alcohol is removed, the central nervous system becomes overactive, which causes withdrawal symptoms.
While alcohol withdrawal occurs most often in adults, studies and clinical experience show that teens or children who have been drinking heavily can also experience symptoms. Anyone who has been drinking a large amount regularly and then stops suddenly is at risk.
Withdrawal is most common in people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Someone with AUD may find they cannot cut down or stop drinking, even when alcohol is causing serious health, relationship, or work problems. When they attempt to stop, they may quickly experience withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal occur when a person has been drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis and suddenly stops. These symptoms can begin within hours of the last drink and may continue for several days.
The American Medical Association has historically discussed drinking levels in terms of “moderate” and “heavy” alcohol use. Heavy drinking is commonly defined as more than four drinks in a day or 15 or more drinks in a week for men, and more than three drinks in a day or eight or more drinks in a week for women. Drinking at or above these levels, especially over time, can increase the risk of alcohol withdrawal.
Heavy drinking can lead to long-term effects on the heart, cause damage to the liver and pancreas, change brain structure and function, increase the risk of several cancers, and cause cirrhosis of the liver. These long-term health issues can make alcohol withdrawal more complicated and increase the need for medical supervision.
Common Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
Mild to moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
- Shakiness or jumpiness
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Troubles sleeping or insomnia
Other possible symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Tremors in the hands or body
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Restlessness or agitation
Withdrawal is a natural response of the body after heavy or prolonged drinking, but it can be dangerous if not managed properly. Medical supervision helps reduce the risk of complications and provides support as the body adjusts.
Serious Symptoms: Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Some individuals may develop a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens (DTs). This condition usually appears 48-72 hours after the last drink but can sometimes occur later. It is considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms of delirium tremens may include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Severe agitation
- Fever
- Very high blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
If someone is showing signs of delirium tremens, call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The alcohol withdrawal timeline can vary based on how much someone has been drinking, how long they have been drinking, their overall health, and whether they have gone through withdrawal before. In general:
- 6-12 hours after the last drink: Mild symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and tremors may begin.
- 12-24 hours: Symptoms can intensify, and some people may experience hallucinations.
- 24-72 hours: Symptoms typically peak during this period. Delirium tremens and seizures are most likely to occur in this window.
- 4-7 days: Many withdrawal symptoms begin to improve, though sleep problems, irritability, and cravings can continue.
- Beyond one week: Most acute physical symptoms lessen, but psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings may last for weeks or longer.
The First Five Days Without Alcohol
As you begin your journey to recovery, one of the first steps is facing withdrawal symptoms. Reaching day five without alcohol can be difficult, but it is also an important milestone in healing.
By day five, some people notice that nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating are starting to ease. Others may still feel strong cravings, headaches, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. Your body is adjusting to functioning without alcohol, and your brain chemistry is slowly stabilizing.
Some patients may continue to experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or high blood pressure during this period, especially if they have been heavy drinkers for many years. Others may notice changes in appetite, including cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods as the body searches for quick energy sources.
Gender-Specific Programming
Texas Recovery Centers offers substance abuse programming for men and women, including those with co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Gender-specific groups can help people feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics and exploring how gender roles, relationships, and culture have affected their substance use.
The women’s program provides a sense of camaraderie and mutual support through shared experiences that foster a safe, supportive community. The men’s program focuses on building accountability, emotional awareness, and healthy coping strategies.
Healing occurs at many levels in the program, through activities such as meditation, yoga, outdoor recreation, and art therapy. These approaches work alongside evidence-based therapies to support mind, body, and spirit.
Why Texas Recovery Center Prioritizes Safety And Support
Safety is central to addiction recovery. At Texas Recovery Centers, medical staff monitor withdrawal symptoms closely to reduce the risk of complications and support a safer detox process.
The team begins by medically assessing each patient’s vital signs, history of alcohol use, and overall health. Providers may use medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, or high blood pressure.
Therapists offer emotional support through counseling and group sessions, helping patients understand their triggers and build coping skills. When appropriate, clinicians also address underlying mental health issues that contribute to addiction.
Clinical Care Near Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas Recovery Centers serves adults from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across North Texas who are seeking alcohol detox and treatment. The setting offers space away from day-to-day stressors while still remaining within driving distance for many families.
Texas Recovery Centers is located in Scurry, Texas, southeast of Dallas. Many patients from Dallas-Fort Worth choose to travel to Scurry for a quieter, more private environment while still staying close enough for family involvement.
Paying For Alcohol Detox
Paying for alcohol detox can feel like a barrier, but several options may be available. Texas Recovery Centers works with many private insurance plans and can help verify coverage for detox and residential care.
Some individuals may qualify for public funding or state support programs. In Texas, Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) and Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs) can help people connect with services, and programs like the state’s outreach, screening, assessment, and referral (OSAR) network can guide individuals to appropriate levels of care.
Payment plans, sliding-scale options, or third-party financing may also be available for those who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover all services.
How To Compare Substance Abuse Treatment Options In Dallas-Fort Worth
When comparing alcohol detox and treatment programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, consider:
- Licensure and accreditation: Look for centers that are properly licensed and accredited by recognized organizations.
- Medical support: Ask whether there is 24/7 medical coverage during detox and how complications are handled.
- Evidence-based care: Find out what therapies are used and whether they are supported by research.
- Co-occurring treatment: Ask if the program can treat both substance use and mental health conditions.
- Continuum of care: Look for programs that help patients step down to lower levels of care after detox and residential treatment.
- Family involvement: Explore how families are included in education and support.
- Aftercare planning: Ask about relapse-prevention planning and follow-up services.
Texas Recovery Centers Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Medical Detox
The supervised detox program manages withdrawal symptoms and supports a safer transition into sobriety. Medical staff monitor vital signs, administer medications when appropriate, and check in regularly on comfort and safety.
Individual Therapy
Patients participate in one-on-one counseling sessions with licensed therapists to explore the roots of addiction, develop coping strategies, and build a strong foundation for recovery.
Group Counseling
Group sessions foster a sense of community, offer peer support, and allow participants to learn from others’ experiences.
Aftercare Planning
Texas Recovery Centers offers comprehensive aftercare planning to support patients after they leave residential treatment. This may include referrals to outpatient programs, support groups, and community resources, as well as relapse-prevention planning.
How Texas Recovery Center Fits Into The Substance Abuse Continuum Of Care
Curbing alcohol addiction typically takes multiple steps. Texas Recovery Centers offers several of these steps under one roof, from medical detox to residential treatment and step-down services. The center uses evidence-based treatment with structured days, consistent routines, and an environment designed to reduce stress and support healing.
For outpatient care, Texas Recovery Centers coordinates with community providers and local resources so that patients can continue therapy, medication management, or support groups closer to home.
How To Start The Admissions Process
If you are considering substance abuse treatment at Texas Recovery Centers, an admissions team member can help you decide whether the program is a good fit. You can call directly to talk through your situation, or you can use our center’s online contact options to ask questions, request a callback, or begin an insurance verification.
Texas Recovery Centers is located in Scurry, Texas. For information on drug and alcohol detox programming, you can contact the center by phone or through its website.
Our Step-By-Step Admission Process
Step 1: Talk With Us
Read through our program information or call us to speak with an admissions specialist about your situation and treatment goals.
Step 2: Clinical Review
Our medical team reviews your history of alcohol use, medical conditions, medications, and past treatment to decide whether detox or another level of care is appropriate.
Step 3: Coverage & Payment
Our admissions team helps you understand your insurance benefits, coverage options, and any out-of-pocket costs so you can make an informed decision.
Once these steps are complete, the team will work with you to schedule an admission date and discuss what to bring, what to expect on arrival, and how family members can stay involved.
Disclaimers And Medical Guidance
Texas Recovery Centers offers personalized care from a team of medical and behavioral health professionals, but every person’s situation is unique. The general information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your personal healthcare provider about your specific health needs, medications, and treatment options.
More Information
For more information about alcohol use, withdrawal, and treatment options, national organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide educational materials and treatment locators.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Substance Abuse Treatment and the related Medications used to treat alcohol abuse
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- National Library of Medicine: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study
- Cleveland Clinic: Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Cleveland Clinic: Alcohol Use Disorder
- Cleveland Clinic: Cerebellar Degeneration
- Cleveland Clinic: Alcohol-induced Cardiomyopathy
- Texas Health and Human Services: Adult Substance Use Services
- North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
- Medicare: Alcohol Misuse Screenings
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Medications for alcohol abuse
