Best Alcohol Detox Program in Tampa
Individuals struggling with alcohol addiction are often hesitant to get substance abuse treatment, either out of denial of an issue, feeling they can do it on their own, or fear of painful withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing from alcohol can be the most difficult part of recovery and those who attempt to do it on their own, will often quickly relapse due to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox on your own is also not recommended because some people can develop dangerous and even fatal withdrawals. Medical detox programs in Tampa, Florida can provide medications and treatments that will ease withdrawal symptoms. Medical personnel are available around the clock to monitor your vitals and ensure your safety while detoxing. They can also administer medications to keep your vitals in check such as beta-blockers, antipsychotics, and anti-seizure medications.
Union Firstis an employee assistance program which includes placement services for union members, public service employees, and their families in the Tampa Bay area. We will assess your case to determine your detox and rehab needs to match you with reputable medical detox centers in Tampa, Florida. Our clients have quick access to the top rated alcohol detox programs in Tampa, Florida who take union insurance. By using our services, you can eliminate hours of online searching and the risk of ending up in the wrong treatment facility. Our team can answer any questions you may have to eliminate many unknowns around detox which often cause a barrier to seeking treatment. We are available day and night to help you find the right alcohol detox facility in your area as soon as possible.

What is Alcohol Detox Like?
Alcohol detox programs can be the first step in an effective addiction recovery program. Union 1st works with a range of treatment facilities and a variety of detox programs. Every person’s experience with alcohol detox will be different depending on their individual needs. Detox centers can range from clinical settings that meet your basic needs to luxury detox centers with added services and amenities. In general, detox programs will require you to stay at the treatment facility for the remainder of your program, however, we also work with outpatient detox programs. Inpatient detox treatment will include around the clock care where staff can monitor your vitals, administer medications as withdrawals appear, and help you get through the toughest part of recovery.
Feelings of apprehension when entering drug detox are normal because there are many unknowns. Our staff at Union Firstwill ensure we answer any questions you may have and thoroughly prepare you for the experience. Detox facilities in Tampa we work with have caring and compassionate staff, who will support you every step of the way. Alcohol detox programs can provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness and fear compared to detoxing alone. Treatment programs will also provide nutritious meals, individual therapy, and support groups as well.
What to Expect During Detox?
Alcohol detox programs begin with a thorough physical and psychological evaluation including blood work to determine your treatment plan. Clinicians can use this information to determine how close you will need to be monitored and medications you may need. Depending on the treatment facility, you may have a private room or share space with others. Once you are checked into your room, medical staff will monitor your vitals 24/7 and administer medication assisted treatment to ease withdrawals and cravings. Medications you can expect during alcohol treatment include benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and calm your nervous system, beta-blockers to keep blood pressure and heart rate in check, Acamprosate, antipsychotics, and Naltrexone to reduce cravings. Over the counter medications are also used such as anti-nausea and antidiarrheal medications.
After your symptoms have peaked and you begin to feel better, you can begin to participate in individual and group therapy sessions to address underlying issues of addiction. Alcohol detox is only the first step and substance abuse treatment and rarely does it work for long term recovery. It is important to follow up with comprehensive alcohol rehab to treat the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol addiction.
How Long is Detox?
In general, most people complete detox between 7 to 10 days, but it can be longer. Several factors will determine how long it takes you to detox including physical health, mental health, age, sex, length of alcohol abuse, severity of alcohol addiction, concurrent use of other substances, and detox history. Occasionally, some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome PAWS which involves mild, lingering withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months later with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Alcohol withdrawals can range from mild to severe and it is difficult to predict what you will expect, however a general alcohol detox timeline may look like this after your last drink:
- First 6 to 12 hours – mild symptoms including anxiety, headache, insomnia, they just have issues, and small tremors may start.
- The first 24 hours – auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations may start.
- 24 to 72 hours after – acute symptoms will peak and soon you will begin to feel better. Delirium tremens and seizures are at their highest risk during this time.
- 7 days later – acute symptoms should have resolved, it is normal to continue feeling some fatigue, depression, and anxiety which will resolve in time with medication assisted treatment and psychotherapy during rehab.
Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
When a person continuously abuses alcohol over an extended period of time, they can develop physical dependence to alcohol which will lead to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking. As the body relies on alcohol to function properly, when it is taken away it goes into shock, causing the body to remain in a hyper aroused state which could increase anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure and other withdrawal symptoms such as colon:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
Delirium tremens is the most dangerous and serious side effect of alcohol withdrawal. DT is rare however, there is no way to predict if and when someone will experience it, which is why medical detox for alcohol addiction is often necessary. Symptoms of DT can range in severity and include irritability, aggression, confusion, agitation, nausea, vomiting, trembling, hallucinations, impaired consciousness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.
Acute Detox
Individuals who develop life threatening or critical conditions, such as delirium tremens, during withdrawal are in acute detox. Acute detox usually develops in those with severe alcohol addictions and will require around the clock medical monitoring. Alcohol withdrawals may include a high risk for fatal side effects including seizures, respiratory failure, and delirium tremens. Also, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts may cause someone to hurt themselves unintentionally. Union Firstcan help you determine if you need medically assisted alcohol detox which will provide the level of care and expertise needed to go through the withdrawal process safely.
Sub Acute Detox
Individuals with milder cases of alcohol addiction are at far less risk at developing dangerous withdrawal symptoms and may only experience sub-acute withdrawal symptoms. While alcohol withdrawals will still be highly uncomfortable and may benefit from medication assisted treatment to ease cravings and symptoms, individuals will not require around the clock care. Union Firstcan match you with detox programs that will help guide you through the withdrawal process either in an inpatient setting or outpatient setting, in which you will meet with your doctor and pick up medications every few days. This type of alcohol detox is indicated for those in good health, are highly motivated, and can stay away from alcohol at home.
Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health Treatment
Workers are often hesitant to take time away from work for inpatient alcohol detox because they are worried about losing their job. Union First will help protect your job while you enter any length of inpatient treatment. Our experts know how to use state and federal labor laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act, to protect your employment, benefits, and salary while you take time off. We can walk you through the process on how to ensure your job is protected and advocate for you while you are in treatment so you can fully focus on your recovery. We aim to educate our clients about their rights so they never hesitate to get the help they need and improve their chances at long term recovery.
Why Choose Union First for Alcohol Detox
Union First evaluates your case to find you the best alcohol detox programs in Tampa, Florida. Effective addiction treatment starts with treatment programs that are the right fit for your unique case. We will be there for you every step of the way to answer any questions you may have and help eliminate any apprehension you may have surrounding getting addiction treatment. Our services will help eliminate hours of online searching, comparing reviews, and attempting to find the right treatment center that takes your insurance. Union First’s treatment placement services will get you into medically assisted detox quickly while protecting your privacy to get you back to work feeling your best.
If you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, our team is available 24/7 to take your call and get you started on the road to recovery. Call or chat online with us today!