Alcohol Detox Fort Lauderdale, FL
Alcohol Addiction
Begin Your Recovery Today
The Retreat of Broward offers professional alcohol detox in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate care that helps clients manage the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol dependence. We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step on the recovery journey. Therefore, we’re here to provide clients with all the support and resources they need to get there. Our professional guidance and personalized treatment plans ensure the transition into sobriety is as smooth as possible.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a mental health disorder from frequent and excessive use of alcohol. It’s characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol, a craving for drinks, and an inability to control or limit drinking. Regardless of negative consequences. People with AUD often experience physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and depression when they’re not drinking.
When it comes to treatment for alcohol use disorder there are a variety of options to help individuals get started. Many people seek a medical detox program or inpatient rehabilitation center. Alcohol detox is an essential first step on the road to recovery for those who have developed physical alcohol dependence. Medical detox helps them slowly reduce their dependence on alcohol without experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms.
The Retreat of Broward alcohol detox in South Florida offers comprehensive treatment plans that provide both medical and mental health services to help clients manage withdrawal symptoms. Our programs also address underlying mental health disorders often co-occurring with substance use disorders. As a luxury drug and alcohol rehab, we know that while social drinking is considered acceptable, the line dividing carefree drinking with friends and an alcohol use disorder is easy to cross without realizing it.
Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder has been a growing problem across the United States, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.6% in this age group) had alcohol use disorder(AUD) in the past year. In a 2020 survey, 16% of adults in Broward County reported binge or heavy drinking, compared to 17% in the state of Florida, and 19% in the United States.
Alcohol use often begins during childhood or teen years. The 2021 Broward County, FL, High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed 18% of youth had their first drink (not including sips) of alcohol before the age of 13 years. Additionally, 18.7% reported current alcohol usage, having had at least one drink in the last 30 days.
It’s important for those suffering from alcoholism and their loved ones to know that there are resources available that can help treat the condition and provide ongoing support through recovery. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, those struggling with alcohol addiction can learn how to live sober lives full of purpose and fulfillment free from the grip of alcoholism.
Excessive and Binge Drinking
Excessive drinking is a dangerous habit that can have serious long-term consequences on one’s physical and mental health. Binge drinking, the most common form of excessive drinking, is the pattern of consuming large amounts of alcohol within a short time. This often occurs when an individual consumes four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a single sitting. Alcohol consumption in any amount by pregnant women or people under 21 years old is considered excessive.
Heavy drinking is characterized by consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and fifteen or more drinks per week for men. It is important to note that excessive drinkers are not necessarily alcoholics or dependent on alcohol. Rather, they are people who choose to drink excessively and are likely unaware of the dangers associated with their behavior.
Excessive and binge drinking can lead to:
- Increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease
- Liver damage
- Digestive problems
- Cancer
- Sexual dysfunction
- Violence including, homicide and sexual assault
- Risky behaviors
- Unplanned pregnancies and fetal alcohol syndrome
- Injuries due to car accidents, falling, drowning
- Alcohol poisoning
In addition to these physical effects, excessive drinking can also negatively affect mental health by increasing anxiety and depression as well as leading to memory loss and diminished cognitive abilities over time. There are also social effects such as problems with relationships, work, and school. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence with long-term devastating effects.
It is also important to be aware of the signs of alcohol abuse in oneself and those around them, such as drinking in secret or experiencing blackouts. If someone sees any of these signs, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Excessive drinking can have serious consequences. However, by understanding the dangers and being willing to ask for help if needed, individuals can work towards a healthier lifestyle.
Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on both physical and mental health. Long-term alcohol abuse can severely damage organs, lead to an increased risk of various forms of cancer, and cause vitamin deficiencies, as well as nerve damage. Additionally, it can lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and other mental health issues.
Heavy drinking can also lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss and poor decision-making. In some cases, alcohol addiction can even result in coma or death due to overdose or long-term organ damage. Alcohol consumption can have serious consequences resulting in a person behaving impulsively and recklessly.
When inhibitions are lowered, people may be more likely to commit crimes such as driving under the influence or taking part in antisocial behavior. This could lead to significant repercussions for their personal relationships, employment, and family life. Heavy drinking can result in dangerous behavior that could cause irreparable damage to both oneself and others.
The effects of alcohol addiction can be particularly damaging, leading to financial difficulties, legal trouble, and even severe psychological issues. In some cases, it can exacerbate homelessness due to an inability to hold down a job or pay rent on time. Unfortunately, it can also disrupt the lives of those around them such as spouses and children who may suffer from abuse and a lack of emotional or financial support.
If someone has an alcohol use problem, it is important to seek help right away to avoid any further consequences. Withdrawal from alcohol is often incredibly uncomfortable and may involve changes in mood or behavior, headaches, tremors, sweating, and seizures. For those seeking help with alcohol detox in Fort Lauderdale, we provide medically supervised programs designed to support safe and healthy recovery from alcohol use disorder.
What is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is allowing the body to rid itself of alcohol and its toxins. During this process, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms that can be physically and mentally uncomfortable. These symptoms may include nausea, sweating, tremors, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.
The severity and duration of these symptoms depend on how much alcohol has been consumed in recent days or weeks. To help ease symptoms during detoxification it is highly recommended to seek medical treatment from a qualified professional. They will monitor the individual’s health and provide emotional support along the way. Additionally, medications such as benzodiazepines can be prescribed to help reduce anxiety levels during withdrawal.
It is important to note that while medical detoxification can effectively reduce immediate physical cravings for alcohol, it does not address the underlying psychological factors associated with addiction. Therefore, it is necessary to seek continued treatment from an addiction specialist. And also attend individual and group therapy sessions to prevent relapse after completing detox from alcohol in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The Importance of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is the first step of addiction treatment when a person chooses to stop drinking. During this process, they need professional support to successfully manage withdrawal symptoms and adjust to life without alcohol. Unfortunately ‘cold turkey’ methods that are attempted alone are usually unsuccessful due to the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms that tend to resurface shortly after attempting to quit.
Fortunately, professional rehabilitation facilities like the Retreat of Broward specialize in alcohol detox. Our program provides a safe environment for those looking for assistance in this process. Our team of addiction specialists offers the necessary support individuals need while they go through alcohol detoxification. They ensure clients stay away from triggers that could potentially lead them back into drinking. We are here to assist anyone who needs help with safely quitting drinking and embarking upon a successful recovery journey.
How to Detox From Alcohol in Fort Lauderdale
A detox from alcohol requires a few things to ensure safety and success. First, the individual stops drinking alcohol. While cutting back on drinking could reduce the risk of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and health issues, they could find themselves slipping back to heavy drinking down the road. Alcohol addiction is a chronic mental health disorder, so simply cutting back isn’t an option for recovery.
Second, they need support. Support can come from many places. For instance, family members and friends can provide emotional support and encouragement. While medical staff helps clients manage withdrawal symptoms. In addition, peer support from others in recovery reminds individuals that they are not alone.
Next, they need a reason for detox and recovery. Without a reason to quit drinking, they will struggle to stay motivated throughout the process. Quitting alcohol is not easy. Therefore, clients must continually remind themselves of why they chose recovery in the first place.
Finally, clients need a detox plan. Addiction treatment professionals will help create a personalized treatment plan. Staff will assess the level of addiction to determine what path is best for the relief of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The plan could include individual therapy, nutritional counseling, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Reach Out Today and Speak with an Addiction Medical Professional
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur due to alcohol dependence when someone attempts to stop drinking. In other words, stopping the consumption of alcohol confuses the body and mind because they have become dependent on alcohol to function. As a result, the individual will experience physical and mental symptoms while the body returns to a pre-addiction state.
Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Headache
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Trouble thinking
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Clammy skin
Severe symptoms of alcohol detox are less common, however, they could be life-threatening. These symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Fever
- Mental confusion
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cardiovascular complications
The severity of symptoms depends on several factors. First, the longer someone has been addicted to alcohol, the more likely they are to struggle during detox. Also, the amount they drink regularly affects the intensity of symptoms. Lastly, the overall state of both physical and mental health can impact how someone experiences withdrawal.
Withdrawal Timeline
Although alcohol detox can vary, most clients will have a similar timeline. The most intense physical symptoms go away within one to two weeks. However, long-term symptoms can linger for months or years.
Fort Lauderdale alcohol detox at The Retreat of Broward helps clients through the intense stages of detox, which will roughly follow this timeline:
First 12 Hours
Begin to have mild withdrawal symptoms within hours after the last drink. Since many people with alcohol addiction drink daily, they usually avoid these symptoms. Therefore, they might notice their symptoms appearing around the time that they would normally drink.
The First Two Days
After one day, the symptoms will increase in severity. In addition, they might have strong cravings. These cravings come on because their body wants to find some relief from the absence of alcohol. However, they will have support to reduce these cravings as they complete their alcohol detox.
Days Three to Seven
Symptoms should peak within three to four days of detox. In other words, after only about four days, clients will be through the worst of it. Their symptoms, therefore, continue to lessen in severity throughout the remainder of the first week.
After the First Week
Most people will have very few intense symptoms after the first week. However, if someone has a severe addiction, they might need additional time in detox as their symptoms subside. Most detox programs will last about one to two weeks. After that, clients transition to long-term alcohol rehab.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol Detox in Fort Lauderdale
Certain medications are frequently used during alcohol detox. This is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications for alcohol detox.
Medications used during alcohol detox include:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines or “benzos” help with several symptoms that may surface during detox. These medications treat sleep issues, seizures, and anxiety. In addition, benzos are used as muscle relaxants. So they also treat tremors and muscle spasms. Common benzos include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate helps reverse some of the brain damage caused by long-term drinking. After years of alcohol use, the brain functions differently and needs time to repair itself. However, Acamprosate lessens the effects of withdrawal by reducing cravings and other symptoms.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram doesn’t reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Instead, disulfiram deters someone from continuing to drink if they do relapse. Disulfiram produces unwanted and unpleasant effects when combined with alcohol. As a result, if someone drinks while taking disulfiram, they might have symptoms like nausea, low blood pressure, or weakness.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone acts as a blocker of the effects of alcohol. That is to say, if they do relapse during early recovery, they won’t feel the effects of alcohol as strongly—if at all. However, naltrexone is not recommended until after severe symptoms go away. Therefore, clients might use naltrexone after alcohol detox.
What Happens at Our Alcohol Detox in South Florida?
The detox process typically begins with a medical evaluation to determine the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This is followed by medication and other therapies to minimize discomfort and reduce cravings while allowing the body to slowly adjust back to its pre-addiction state. Our team of addiction specialists provides clients with evidence-based therapies tailored to their unique needs. By helping individuals safely withdraw from alcohol in an environment free of judgment or stigma, we offer a supportive environment for those seeking long-term recovery from addiction.
Alcohol detox in Fort Lauderdale starts the recovery journey on the right path. Clients receive the support that they need to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. In addition, they will stay in a comfortable facility to heal from alcohol addiction.
During alcohol detox, the professionals at The Retreat of Broward help clients dedicate themselves to their recovery goals. We also offer leisure activities and private rooms so that they can detox comfortably. Our peaceful and intimate atmosphere allows for healing and growth as they move forward with long-term sobriety.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)
- Family Counseling
- Inpatient Mental Health
Begin Our Alcohol Detox in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder in South Florida, please reach out for help today. Our program for alcohol detox in Fort Lauderdale has proven to be successful time and again for individuals seeking sobriety. With the right support, overcoming alcohol addiction and taking back control of your life is possible.
Contact us today to learn more about our safe and effective alcohol detox in South Florida.




