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Day: January 7, 2025

What Happens During Detox from Alcohol? Timeline, Symptoms & Treatment

Posted on by cmarnew

Alcohol detox is the first crucial step in overcoming alcohol dependence. When a person stops drinking, their body undergoes withdrawal as it eliminates alcohol from the system.

This process can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening symptoms. Understanding what happens during detox from alcohol can help individuals prepare for the journey ahead and seek the safest approach to recovery.

At CMAR, we offer medically supervised outpatient detox to ensure a safe and effective withdrawal process. This guide will walk you through the detox timeline, symptoms, and treatment options to help you or a loved one take the first step toward sobriety.

What Happens During Alcohol Detox

What Happens During Alcohol Detox?

Detox from alcohol involves the body metabolizing and eliminating alcohol while adjusting to its absence.

During this time, the nervous system, which has adapted to alcohol’s depressant effects, reacts to the sudden change, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies based on drinking history, frequency, and individual health. Below is a general breakdown:

  • 6-12 Hours After Last Drink: Mild symptoms appear, such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
  • 24-72 Hours After Last Drink: This is the most intense withdrawal period, where severe symptoms like tremors, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures may occur.
  • 3-7 Days After Last Drink: Symptoms begin to subside, but some individuals experience lingering withdrawal effects.
  • Beyond 7 Days: Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings may persist for weeks or months.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms vary in severity and can be categorized as:

  • Mild Symptoms: Headache, nausea, sweating, irritability, trouble sleeping, and rapid heartbeat.
  • Moderate Symptoms: Increased blood pressure, confusion, mood swings, hallucinations.
  • Severe Symptoms (Delirium Tremens – DTs): Seizures, extreme confusion, rapid heartbeat, high fever, severe agitation, and life-threatening complications.

Seeking medical supervision during detox helps prevent dangerous withdrawal complications and ensures proper management of symptoms.

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking?

When you stop drinking, your body begins to repair itself from the toxic effects of alcohol. Here’s what happens during detox:

  • Brain Recovery: Alcohol alters brain chemistry; detox allows neurotransmitters to rebalance, improving cognitive function and mood.
  • Liver Regeneration: The liver starts to repair itself, reducing inflammation and fat buildup.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits: Blood pressure stabilizes, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Digestive Improvements: The stomach lining heals, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

While physical improvements begin within days, long-term recovery requires continued care and support.

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking

What Happens If an Alcoholic Suddenly Stops Drinking?

For individuals with severe alcohol dependence, suddenly stopping alcohol use can be dangerous. This abrupt cessation can lead to Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS), which includes:

  • Seizures (risk highest within 24-48 hours)
  • Hallucinations (auditory, visual, or tactile sensations not based in reality)
  • Delirium Tremens (DTs) (a severe condition that includes confusion, agitation, fever, and cardiovascular instability)

Medical supervision is essential for individuals with a history of heavy drinking to ensure a safe and controlled detox process.

What to Eat When Detoxing from Alcohol?

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting recovery during detox. Here’s what to include in your diet:

Best Foods for Alcohol Detox

  • Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and broth-based soups replenish lost fluids.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu help rebuild muscle and energy levels.
  • Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, brown rice, and oats stabilize blood sugar levels.
  • Electrolyte-Rich Foods: Bananas, oranges, and avocados restore potassium and magnesium levels.
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Sources: Nuts, beans, and fortified cereals support brain function.

Foods to Avoid

  • Sugary Snacks & Processed Foods: They can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.
  • Caffeinated Drinks: Can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.
  • Salty & Fatty Foods: May lead to dehydration and digestive issues.

The Role of Medically Supervised Detox

The safest way to detox from alcohol is through a medically supervised detox program, which offers:

  • Medical Monitoring: Healthcare professionals track vital signs and symptom progression.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications like benzodiazepines help manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • Emotional & Psychological Support: Therapy and counseling provide guidance and encouragement.
  • Flexible Outpatient Options: CMAR’s outpatient detox program allows patients to detox safely while maintaining daily responsibilities.
Medically Supervised Detox

Take the First Step Toward Recovery with CMAR

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR), we provide comprehensive, patient-centered addiction treatment, ensuring that each individual receives the support, care, and resources they need for long-term success.

Why Choose CMAR for Alcohol Detox & Recovery?

Medically Supervised Outpatient Detox: Safe, structured detox with expert medical oversight to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Up to 90 days of treatment with flexible scheduling, group therapy, case management, and one-on-one counseling to support ongoing recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications, such as Naltrexone and Antabuse, to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Trauma-Informed Care: A therapeutic approach that recognizes and treats the underlying trauma that may contribute to addiction.
Family Therapy Program: Rebuild relationships and establish healthy communication with loved ones affected by addiction.
Peer Support & Recovery Groups: Community-based support that fosters accountability, shared experiences, and ongoing encouragement.

A Personalized Approach to Your Recovery

At CMAR, we understand that addiction is unique to each individual, so our approach is tailored to your needs.

Whether you’re beginning outpatient detox, seeking long-term recovery support, or need trauma-informed therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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VERIFY INSURANCE

Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.