What Really Happens During an Alcohol Detox? A Step-by-Step Guide

Nurse Danielle
Aug 29
2 min read

Blog | Delta Detox | Alcohol Recovery & Support

Thinking about cutting back or quitting alcohol? You’ve likely heard the word “detox” thrown around, but what does alcohol detox actually involve? Is it safe to do on your own? And what should you expect in the first few days?

In this post, we break down the alcohol detox process, step by step, so you can understand what’s happening in your body and what kind of support might be right for you.

First, What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the first stage of recovery: it’s your body’s way of clearing out alcohol and beginning to adjust to life without it. If you’ve been drinking regularly or heavily, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, some mild, some serious. Detox helps you manage that safely.

Step 1: Assessment & Preparation

Before detoxing, it’s important to understand your own drinking patterns and risks. A pre-detox assessment, done by a GP, nurse, or addiction specialist, helps determine whether home detox is appropriate or if medical supervision is needed.

You’ll be asked about:

How much and how often you drink
Your physical and mental health
Any medications you’re taking
Past detox experiences or withdrawal symptoms

At Delta Detox, we help you build a personalised plan before you even start.

Step 2: The First 24–72 Hours

This is usually the most intense phase. Depending on your drinking history, your body may react strongly to the absence of alcohol.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Sweating, shaking, or tremors
Headaches and nausea
Anxiety or irritability
Insomnia or vivid dreams
Racing heart or high blood pressure

In more serious cases, some people may experience seizures or hallucinations (delirium tremens). This is why professional oversight matters.

Step 3: Stabilisation (Days 3–7)

For most people, symptoms start to ease after day 3. You may feel physically drained but mentally clearer. Sleep, mood, and appetite gradually improve. If you’re working with a detox coach or healthcare provider, medications like Librium or Diazepam may be used and slowly tapered down.

This is a great time to:

Start gentle physical activity
Build a daily routine
Stay hydrated and eat nourishing food
Connect with support (coaches, friends, or online groups)

Step 4: Moving Into Recovery

Detox is just the beginning—it clears alcohol from your system, but it doesn’t address why you were drinking in the first place. That’s where emotional support, coaching, and structure come in.

A strong post-detox plan might include:

Weekly check-ins or coaching sessions
Mental health support (anxiety, trauma, stress)
Learning to recognise triggers and set boundaries
Finding sober social spaces and daily habits that support change

At Delta Detox, we offer flexible coaching, self-paced digital modules, and referral pathways to therapy or community groups, so you’re never walking the journey alone.

Final Thoughts

The alcohol detox process can be tough, but it’s temporary. What comes after detox is even more powerful: clarity, confidence, and a growing sense of control over your choices.

Whether you’re sober curious, cutting back, or ready to stop altogether, you deserve safe, supportive care every step of the way.