Ascend Recovery: Lifting You Up on the Path to Healing, Because We’ve Walked It Too
Ascend Recovery: Lifting You Up on the Path to Healing, Because We’ve Walked It Too
Alcohol withdrawal isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be unpredictable, fast-moving, and, in severe cases, life-threatening. At Ascend Recovery Center New Mexico, our medical detox team provides 24/7 monitoring, withdrawal-specific medications, and continuous support so you don’t have to go through this alone.
If you’re experiencing shaking, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, or worsening symptoms, medical detox is the safest first step. We also offer direct access to medical care for withdrawal symptoms to support you from the moment you arrive.
Verify benefits: You can also see what detox care insurance may cover.
Alcohol withdrawal affects every system in the body — heart, brain, nerves, hydration levels, and temperature regulation. For many people, symptoms escalate quickly, especially if drinking has been heavy or long-term. Medical detox provides stabilization, medication support, and continuous vitals monitoring to prevent complications such as:
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Seizures, DTs, and severe dehydration can become life-threatening without medical care. Do NOT quit drinking cold turkey. Always speak with a medical professional before stopping alcohol use. There is no recovery without life — please keep yourself safe during this critical withdrawal/detox period.
Withdrawal unfolds in stages, each influenced by how much a person has been drinking, for how long, and their overall health. Within the first 6 to 12 hours, people often begin to feel restless, anxious, sweaty, or unable to sleep. These early symptoms may feel manageable but signal that the body’s neurochemical balance is already shifting.
By 24 to 48 hours, the body’s stress response intensifies. Tremors may worsen, appetite may drop, and nausea or vomiting can make it difficult to stay hydrated. Some individuals begin experiencing sensory disturbances, such as hearing faint noises that aren’t there or feeling unusually sensitive to light. During this window, heart rate and blood pressure commonly rise — which is why around-the-clock monitoring is essential.
The 48- to 72-hour period marks the highest-risk phase. This is when seizures or DTs typically occur. People may become disoriented, see or hear things vividly, experience uncontrollable shaking, or develop a high fever. These symptoms require immediate medical intervention. Even if early withdrawal feels mild, it can escalate with little warning, making supervised detox the safest path forward.
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While these signs may seem harmless on their own, they indicate that the nervous system is already working in overdrive to rebalance without alcohol.
At this stage, the risk of dangerous escalation increases.
These symptoms require immediate medical care and can be fatal without intervention.
During alcohol detox, your body requires consistent monitoring because symptoms can shift rapidly. Our medical team provides 24/7 supervision, allowing us to respond instantly to any change in your condition. Medications are used strategically to stabilize the nervous system, reduce the risk of seizures, and ease severe discomfort. At the same time, we monitor blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels to ensure your body stays within a safe range. Hydration and nutritional support are also essential, as alcohol misuse commonly depletes vitamins and electrolytes critical for neurological function. Throughout the process, our team stays by your side — offering reassurance, answering your questions, and helping you feel physically and emotionally supported through every phase of withdrawal.
Our medical detox program includes evidence-based treatments designed for alcohol-specific withdrawal risks.
Alcohol misuse commonly depletes the body. We stabilize hydration levels and provide nutritional support to protect the brain and nervous system.
Your detox experience is tailored to your physical symptoms, mental health needs, and drinking history. In our New Mexico facility, you can expect:
Detox typically lasts several days, but every person’s timeline is different.
Detox addresses the medical side of withdrawal, but long-term recovery requires continued care and structure. Once your symptoms stabilize, our team helps you transition into the appropriate next level of care based on your goals and clinical needs. Many individuals benefit from entering a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), where they receive intensive therapy, structured support, and continued monitoring during the early stages of sobriety. Others may move into an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides help managing cravings in early recovery while allowing you to gradually resume daily responsibilities. As you progress, outpatient therapy offers ongoing support once withdrawal has eased, helping you strengthen relapse-prevention skills, process emotions, and build stability in daily life. Each step is designed to support lasting recovery and prevent future medical crises.
While it might feel tempting to detox at home for privacy or convenience, alcohol withdrawal is not something to manage alone. Symptoms can escalate without warning, and severe complications often appear suddenly — even in people who initially felt stable. A person detoxing at home has no way to monitor their vitals, manage seizures, or treat hallucinations. Dehydration can worsen rapidly, and confusion or disorientation can impair a person’s ability to seek help in time. In a medical detox environment, trained professionals track your condition continuously, intervene at the earliest sign of risk, and ensure your safety when your body is most vulnerable. Choosing professional care is not only the safer option — it’s an act of protection that preserves your life and increases your chances of successful long-term recovery.
We work with most major insurance providers and can verify your benefits quickly. Detox should never be avoided due to cost concerns — our team can help you see what detox care insurance may cover and explain your options clearly and compassionately.
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Preparing for detox can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control:
If you’re unsure how to prepare, our admissions team can walk you through every step.
Shaking is one of the most common symptoms. Medical staff can treat tremors and prevent escalation.
Some people experience mild hallucinations. Severe hallucinations require immediate medical attention and are managed in detox.
Most people stabilize within several days, but heavy drinkers may require longer monitoring.
Yes. Severe withdrawal can be fatal without medical care — especially seizures or DTs.
Medical professionals strongly advise against it due to unpredictable complications.
If you have more questions, you can always talk to someone about alcohol withdrawal.
Whether your symptoms have just started or are getting worse, our medical team is here to keep you safe.
If you’re unsure what to do next, you can talk to someone about alcohol withdrawal right now or see what detox care insurance may cover.
Find out if your insurance provider could cover your treatment
