Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease marked by uncontrolled drinking and its devastating effects on health and well-being. When you’re ready to break free, choosing a safe and effective path is crucial. At Rockland Recovery in Braintree, Massachusetts, our medically supervised alcohol detox programs provide the intensive care you need to navigate this vital first stage of recovery with confidence.
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Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a serious disease that has a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health, along with their quality of life and relationships. Alcohol addiction doesn’t happen overnight and can sneak into a person’s life before they fully realize how serious it has become.
A drink or two every night after work can quietly escalate to more frequent and heavier drinking. Those who have a family history of alcohol use disorder are also at a higher risk of developing the disease, meaning that if those individuals aren’t consciously aware of their alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder can develop.
At Rockland Recovery, we feel it’s important to acknowledge the seriousness and severity of alcohol use disorder. Our society goes through phases that seem to trivialize heavier alcohol consumption, such as recent trends of whiskey or wine culture.
Unlike many other types of addictive substances, alcohol use is considered socially acceptable. This makes it more challenging to recognize when casual or social drinking habits have transitioned into a more serious condition.
If you or your loved one are in need of help in recovering from alcohol addiction, please reach out to Rockland Recovery at 888-299-4833. Another wonderful resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They offer an online provider directory, along with a 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
What Is Medical Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the first important step to overcoming alcohol addiction. Detoxification from alcohol should take place in a medically supervised addiction treatment center or hospital setting.
When alcohol use is stopped, the body is going to go through a period of withdrawal that typically lasts about 24 to 72 hours. The symptoms of alcohol detox can be just as serious as detox from other forms of addiction and can range from mild to severe.
Some individuals navigate detox from alcohol with relatively mild symptoms that may include nausea, irritability, headache, and brain fog. Others may experience more severe symptoms, such as changes in heart rate and breathing, tremors, delirium, hallucinations, fever, and seizures.
Going through detox in a medically supervised setting can ensure that the individual’s medical and mental health needs are met and that detox occurs in the safest way possible.
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Alcohol Detox
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol detox and addiction recovery may be prescribed. MAT is most commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction, but there are a number of FDA-approved medications that are effective in lessening the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal while reducing cravings and preventing relapse after treatment. These medications include:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Affects how the body breaks down and metabolizes alcohol, producing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
- Acamprosate (Campral) –Reduces alcohol cravings and quiets the urge to drink.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – An effective drug for diminishing cravings and preventing relapse.
MAT is just one approach to alcohol detox and recovery. At Rockland Recovery, we complete a thorough assessment during the admissions process that considers the individual’s history of alcohol use and the use of other addictive substances, along with a mental health assessment and a look at social and support factors that may play a role in the development of AUD.
What Happens After Alcohol Detox?
At Rockland Recovery, we understand that alcohol detox is just the beginning of your journey to sobriety. Once detoxification is complete—typically lasting 24 to 72 hours, though severe cases may extend up to a week—the real work of recovery begins. Our goal is to guide you through the next steps with a personalized plan tailored to your needs, ensuring long-term success.
After detox, your body is free of alcohol, but the psychological and emotional challenges of addiction remain. This transitional phase can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer a range of treatment options to provide the structure and support you need:
- Inpatient Treatment: For many, transitioning directly into our inpatient program is the most effective step. You’ll live at our Rockland, Massachusetts facility, receiving 24/7 care from our clinical team. This immersive environment helps you build coping skills, address underlying triggers, and avoid relapse during the vulnerable early stages of recovery. Learn more about inpatient treatment here.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): If you’re ready for more independence but still need intensive support, PHP offers daily therapy and medical oversight while allowing you to return home at night.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Ideal for those with a stable home environment, IOP includes several weekly sessions of counseling and group therapy, balancing recovery with everyday life.
- Outpatient Support: Options like 12-step programs, individual counseling, and sober living communities help maintain sobriety long-term.
Our admissions team conducts a thorough assessment—reviewing your alcohol use history, mental health, and support system—to recommend the best path forward. Ready to take the next step? Contact Rockland Recovery at 888-299-4833 to discuss your options and start building a life free from addiction today.
Your Alcohol Detox Center at Rockland Recovery
When you’re ready to take the first important step toward overcoming alcohol addiction, Rockland Recovery is here to help. We can answer your questions about medical alcohol detox in Massachusetts and provide guidance in getting started. Contact Rockland Recovery today at 888-299-4833.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Detox
Have questions about alcohol detox at Rockland Recovery? We’ve got answers to help you feel confident about starting your recovery journey.
