July 31

After 24 hours, alcohol has left your system. You can’t get any soberer (is that even a word?) than that. You may feel the effects of detoxification for up to 1 week or more after alcohol is out of your system. Withdrawal symptoms begin within 8 hours after your last drink. Within 24 to 72 hours, the symptoms reach maximum misery. After 5 to 7 days, the symptoms lessen in intensity. Beyond 1 week, the psychological effects may continue for a lifetime if untreated. Associated with this timeline (depending on your level of consumption) is a list of symptoms that traverse 3 stages. Stage 1 includes nausea, insomnia, and stomach pain. Stage 2 involves high blood pressure, high temperature, abnormal heart rate, and confusion. Stage 3 gets even worse with fever, seizures, hallucinations, and observable agitation. The last stage can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Even if you have only been drinking for a short time (weeks) or for many years, detoxing at home alone is not advisable. Seek professional help if you plan on stopping drinking.

Reflections

How did you stop drinking?

Daily Challenge

Look up local detoxes in your area and put those phone numbers in your phone. Get educated to help others down the road.