How long do the withdrawal symptoms last?

The duration of the withdrawal symptoms during an alcohol withdrawal strongly depends on the extent of the previous alcohol consumption. In the case of a lighter or, for example, gradual withdrawal, the symptoms can last only one or two days and are usually not very pronounced. In the case of an intensive and abrupt alcohol withdrawal, the symptoms usually last several days.

In some cases, the accompanying symptoms can last up to a week. Initially, withdrawal symptoms, such as nervousness and nausea, predominate, and as the withdrawal progresses, tremors, hallucinations and cardiovascular disorders are the most common. Once the physical withdrawal symptoms are overcome, the psychological dependence must be combated with therapies and self-help groups.

How much does alcohol withdrawal cost?

The cost of an alcohol withdrawal varies greatly and depends on the type of withdrawal and the offers. The costs are often in the three-figure range. If, for example, a cure is also carried out as part of the alcohol withdrawal, this can significantly increase the price of alcohol withdrawal. However, a large part of the costs are covered by health insurance companies, as alcoholism is an officially recognised illness. However, it should be clarified with the health insurance company in advance for a specific alcohol withdrawal treatment whether and which costs of the therapy are covered by the health insurance.

How does alcohol withdrawal therapy work?

An alcohol withdrawal therapy is divided into different stages. First of all, the body must be freed from all traces of alcohol. This process is known as “detoxification” and is most often carried out on an in-patient basis, i.e. in a ward that is specially designed for this purpose.

The main purpose of this process is to use medication to combat the symptoms that arise during alcohol withdrawal. After a certain period of time the body is detoxified. However, this does not eliminate the problem of addiction.

This can be effectively reduced by psychotherapeutic treatment. These should take place immediately after detoxification at the latest and can take place either in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Various offers for self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, also help on the way to alcohol-free drinking.

There are also various counselling centres, including some public institutions. Alcohol withdrawal can be divided into different phases. – First of all there is the contact phase, in which contact is made with, for example, the family doctor or a counselling centre.

This phase may be omitted in the case of alcohol withdrawal at home, but it is still highly recommended. – The second phase is that of detoxification and early motivation. In this phase, the body is freed from all alcohol residues, and the withdrawal symptoms are often treated with medication.

On the other hand, already in this phase the patient’s motivation to fight the addiction is strengthened by initial psychotherapeutic discussions. – The third phase of alcohol withdrawal is the phase of weaning and long-term therapy. Here the focus is on combating addiction.

Depending on the person affected, this can also be done in an outpatient setting in a practice. – The final phase of alcohol withdrawal is that of aftercare. Regular meetings in self-help groups are important here in order to be able to discuss any problems that may arise in connection with alcohol withdrawal.

The duration of the therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. As a rule, the detoxification phase of alcohol withdrawal is completed after one week, as the physical withdrawal symptoms also subside by then. However, the addiction persists beyond the detoxification phase and it takes considerably longer to combat.

Many people assume about 3 to 4 weeks until this phase is also completed. This varies greatly from person to person and should not be generalised. In order to be able to guarantee a safe alcohol withdrawal, continuous participation in meetings of self-help groups should therefore take place at least after one month.

There are many people who carry out alcohol withdrawal at home. Whether or not this is successful depends on the person concerned, the environment and the extent of alcohol consumption up to that point. The decisive factor in alcohol withdrawal is that certain conditions must be met.

These include above all an understanding of the existing problem of alcoholism. If this insight is not available, withdrawal cannot be successful, regardless of the environment. However, it is an absolute prerequisite, especially for an alcohol withdrawal that takes place at home.

Furthermore, it is very important to create a supportive environment. If the people who live in the same household, for example, are not aware that the person concerned is currently undergoing alcohol withdrawal, this can lead to some difficulties. An important element of alcohol withdrawal is, among other things, the removal of all alcoholic beverages from the household. It is also important not to be around people who consume alcohol for a while. If all these things are taken into account, alcohol withdrawal can also take place at home.