After identifying alcohol addiction as a disease, almost all the research conducted about alcoholism and its treatment focused on men. In the last few decades, more attention has been given to the different ways alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects women, and the treatment approaches that work with men do not necessarily work the same for women. We’ve long understood that alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the intensity and duration of the addiction, but now we understand that they differ by sex as well. That’s why Painted Desert’s alcohol rehab center for women is a great option for medical detox and ongoing addiction treatment.
At Painted Desert, we can focus on best practices for alcohol detox for women. Reach out today to learn more about how a women’s alcohol detox program can help you or someone you love. It’s easy; call us at 844.540.0357 or use this online form.
Alcohol Detox for Women
Alcohol withdrawal is particularly challenging and can be quite dangerous. Undergoing detox under medical supervision is very important. Doing so in a women’s alcohol detox program gives you an even greater leg up on this first, important stage of rehab. Social, psychological, physical, and cultural factors are all considered when treating women for alcohol addiction, starting with detox.
Some of the differences to consider are that women:
- Experience greater health risks related to their AUD
- Are more likely to have a co-occurring mental health disorder
- Take longer to undergo thorough detox
- Are less likely to receive the help they need
- Typically seek mental health treatment only rather than addiction rehab, leading to poorer long-term recovery outcomes
- Experience certain withdrawal symptoms at higher rates than men, e.g., seizures
Considering these factors, designing a detox and addiction treatment program specifically with women in mind allows clinicians and substance use specialists to even the playing field and ensure positive results for women in recovery.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal in Women
In a women’s alcohol detox program, you will be supported through your withdrawal at every step. The timeline for the onset of alcohol withdrawal is between six and 24 hours after the last drink. Withdrawal symptoms are largely the same in women and men, while some may manifest more in one gender than the other. Some of the signs of withdrawal include:
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbance
- The shakes
- Anxiety and/or panic
- Extreme cravings
- Disordered thinking
- Brain fog
The most dangerous side-effect of alcohol withdrawal occurs in about 2% of cases. Delirium tremens, also known as the DTs, can happen between two days to a week after the last drink. The DTs are fatal in about one in 20 cases. Thus alcohol withdrawal must be made in a secure medical facility under the watchful eye of physicians and other professionals. Delirium tremens results in some or all of the following:
- Fluctuating blood pressure
- Violent tremors
- Hallucinations
- Intolerance of sensory input such as light, touch, sound
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Severe confusion and disorientation
- Profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Heart attack
Take care of your future by ensuring a safe detox from alcohol before alcohol rehab for women in a facility where your specific physiology, psychology, needs, and goals are prioritized.
What is Alcohol Rehab for Women at Painted Desert Recovery?
At Painted Desert Recovery, we offer evidence-based therapies and innovative approaches to support your recovery journey. Some of our offerings include:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Equine therapy
- Intensive outpatient therapy
- Nutrition and food therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Art therapy
- Experiential therapy
Reach out to speak to one of our staff members about alcohol detox for women and how women’s rehab can help you. Call us on the phone by dialing 844.540.0357 or complete this online form, and we will connect with you promptly.
