Alcohol has a negative impact on the delicate chemical balance within your body. It is a depressant that slows down neurotransmitters, decreases dopamine and hormone production, and can cause significant cognitive decline. Those who drink will wonder how long it takes for hormones to balance after quitting alcohol. The answer depends on the individual, the length of abuse, and how much they consume. An alcohol addiction treatment program is the safest way to stop drinking and teaches patients all about the danger of alcohol and what it does to their bodies.
At Veratav Health Massachusetts, we support individuals who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other harmful substances. Our behavioral therapists have experience treating all types of addiction and will establish a deep connection with you to create an atmosphere of open trust and communication. You will participate in a number of behavioral and holistic therapy sessions in private and in group settings. To discover all of the benefits of our alcohol addiction treatment program, call 413.570.9698 or send us a message online today, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Changes In Your Body Due to Alcohol Abuse
Drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on your body the longer you abuse them. The chemicals you ingest attach themselves to cell receptors in your body and signal a massive release of dopamine and cause a euphoric state that is highly addictive. Your body can never produce this level of euphoria alone and will begin to crave the same effect the more you drink.
With continued alcohol abuse, the chemical balance begins to change and will negatively impact your health and general well-being. Some of the common changes that you will experience with prolonged alcohol abuse include:
- Stops the natural production of dopamine
- Decreases the production of progesterone
- Causes brain shrinkage in the frontal lobe
- Decreases thiamine which can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
At Swift River, we assist men and women struggling with alcohol addiction who are ready for a positive change. Our treatment programs make getting through withdrawals much safer than quitting alone and promote lifelong sobriety.
How Long Does It Take Hormones to Balance After Quitting Alcohol?
Alcohol consumption plays havoc on your system. It increases the production of estrogen and decreases levels of progesterone, two hormones that, when off balance, can cause problems with menstruation and fertility. Studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer by 30-50%.
Alcohol abuse also affects testosterone levels in men and can cause decreased sexual function, depression, and other complications. Those who quit drinking can expect a slow return to normal as their bodies cleanse themselves from all of the toxins and relearn how to function without alcohol.
Here is a typical alcohol withdrawal timeline and what you can expect during detoxing:
- 5-10 hours – Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as five hours from the last drink in cases of long-term addiction. Symptoms at this stage include tremors, nausea, vomiting, fluctuating blood pressure, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms. Patients will also experience strong cravings that are hard to resist.
- 12-24 hours – Symptoms will continue to worsen, and the desire for more alcohol increases. Additional symptoms can occur, such as hallucinations which can cause individuals to see and hear things that aren’t there.
- 24-48 hours – For those with a mild addiction, symptoms will peak around day two and begin to subside. Additional symptoms may include headaches, tremors, and stomach aches.
- 48-72 hours – For those with a severe addiction, symptoms peak around day three and can be very dangerous during this time. Delirium tremens is a fatal withdrawal symptom that occurs during this time and causes death four out of ten times.
- 72 hours and beyond – Withdrawal symptoms will begin to taper off after 3-4 days for most patients. Those with severe addiction may require a longer detox time to begin to feel their withdrawal symptoms decrease.
How long for hormones to balance after quitting alcohol? Each person is different in how long it takes for their hormones and other bodily functions to return to normal. In some extreme cases, it can take several years to get back to normal.
Start Recovery With Addiction Treatment at Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we support Massachusennites who are struggling with alcohol addiction and ready for a real change in their lives. When you first arrive at our facility, we will run a full assessment of your condition to place you in the appropriate program for the severity of your addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, help is just a phone call away at 413.570.9698. Call today to speak with our caring staff. You can also fill out our online form, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
