How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can lead to serious health issues like liver disease and heart disease. It is usually necessary to stop drinking to reverse the negative effects and improve your physical health.
It is recommended to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from a medical condition which could be made worse by alcohol withdrawal, or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detox is the first step in the recovery process from alcohol addiction. The medically supervised procedure is designed to ease the physical and mental effects of long-term drinking. During the process of detox, patients might suffer withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety, nausea, shaking and fatigue. During this stage, the client will undergo an extensive medical exam and blood tests to determine the amount of drugs present in their system. The purpose of detox is to eliminate any drugs or alcohol from the body and restore an appropriate balance to the nervous system and brain.
For many, drinking alcohol is a serious issue that can cause serious health issues. In addition to the obvious alcoholic symptoms, such as hangovers and blackouts, there are other less obvious problems, such as liver disease, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive dysfunction. The main reason for addiction is the change that occurs in the body's metabolism when an individual consumes alcohol regularly. These changes cause tolerance and dependency, creating a false state of homeostasis. The signs of dependence on alcohol can be fatal if not correctly identified and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization phase of detox involves assessing the patient’s medical history, drug and alcohol consumption as well as their living environment and lifestyle to understand their support systems. This information will help the medical team make recommendations on the type and duration of their detox.
During this time, the medical team will administer medication that mimics the effects of drinking alcohol and reduces withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medication to treat any co-occurring disorders, or general discomfort. The medications taken during this phase could include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These medications are often given in a detox or hospital treatment center and must be monitored closely by medical professionals to be sure that there are no potentially fatal side effects, such as seizures.
Some individuals who seek out detox programs may also enroll directly into an addiction treatment program. This could be a good idea, as it will allow the detox and treatment procedures to be integrated and reduce the risk that a person will relapse after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
In this stage, the liver begins to transform dangerous, lipid soluble chemicals into less harmful, water soluble substances using reactions such as sulfation, glutathione coupling and acetylation. These new compounds can be removed more easily from the body. This process is a result of the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and it is also heavily dependent on nutrients. Fruits, proteins, vegetables and herbs all aid in this phase of detoxification. One example is milk thistle which stimulates normal liver function and aids in phases 1 and 2. It has been used as a natural remedy for liver issues for ages.
Additionally, it is essential to include fiber in your diet at this time since it can help prevent constipation and help with bowel movements.
Stage 3
In this stage, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to get more severe. They may include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. detox from alcohol is an emergency medical condition that could be life-threatening. They can also cause people to stop detoxing and start drinking again. This is why it is so important to be under the supervision of a certified medical professional in the detox center during this phase.
During a medically-supervised detox the blood pressure of the client and heart rate are monitored to ensure they are safe and comfortable. They could receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved for treating alcohol withdrawal seizures and the delirium of tremens. They can also be used to alleviate the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation or tremors. Additionally, a drug called naltrexone may be prescribed to decrease the craving for alcohol. It can be taken in pill form or administered by injection. The pill form of naltrexone comes in the brands ReVia, Depade and Vivitrol.
Even after the detoxification process has been completed, withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days. In some instances, they may persist for a longer time. Some people will experience them as a daily struggle throughout their lives, depending on the severity of their addiction and the length of time they've been consuming alcohol.
The first step in the process of healing from addiction to alcohol is to join a detox program. This could be an outpatient or inpatient, but the best choice is to find an addiction treatment program that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs are available in a clinic or hospital setting. They are recommended for people with severe alcoholism. Outpatient programs are offered to those with less severe alcohol addictions. They permit the patient to stay at home while they undergo detox. The results of a detox treatment program will depend on the length of time the individual has been using alcohol and their degree of dependence on it. The most severe alcoholisms will be the most difficult and long detox time.
Stage 4
The symptoms of this stage of detox are typically mild, but they are still important to be monitored. They start within the first six to eight hours following you stop drinking, and they include things like stomach discomfort, insomnia, mood swings, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to the symptoms of hangovers and should not be overlooked.
As symptoms diminish, more severe ones begin to manifest. The second phase of AWS produces a wide range of symptoms, including hallucinations fever, seizures and hand tremors. These are more hazardous than the earlier symptoms and can lead to serious life-threatening issues. Some people in this stage of detox may suffer Delirium tremens, which could be fatal if not treated appropriately.
Once these symptoms begin to ease, you'll enter the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most difficult phase and takes a long time to go through. Your body produces a lot of toxins during this time and you could become dehydrated. You may also be experiencing cravings, or an Relapse.
In this period, you should continue seeking help from a treatment center for drug addiction. While medical detox is beneficial for a lot of people, it is not able to tackle the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help you overcome the mental issues that cause addiction to drugs.
Detox can be scary and stressful, but it is vital to your recovery. When it's performed under the supervision of a trained professional, it is an effective and safe way to remove alcohol or drugs from your body and prepare you for rehabilitation. It can also help save your life, particularly if you are suffering from an addiction that threatens your life to alcohol or drugs. Contact a treatment expert today to learn more about the process of detoxification and how it can help your recovery. They'll be able to answer any questions you may have and assist you with the process of detox. They can also talk about long-term options for treatment, such as inpatient treatment or community support groups or regular therapy sessions.