How to Detox Alcohol
Alcohol addiction can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and damage to the liver. Quitting drinking is often necessary to reverse these consequences and improve physical health.
It is recommended to detox under medical supervision if you have a medical condition which could be made worse by alcohol withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
The first step is to detox in the recovery process from alcohol addiction. The medically supervised process is designed to relieve the physical and mental effects of drinking for a long time. During the withdrawal process, clients might experience anxiety, headaches and nausea. They may also feel fatigued. In this stage, the client will undergo an extensive medical examination and blood tests to determine the amount of substances in their system. The aim of detox is to eliminate any drugs or alcohol from the body and to restore a healthy balance to the nervous system and brain.
For many, drinking alcohol is a major issue that can lead to serious health issues. There are less obvious issues like liver disease and cognitive dysfunction as well as the obvious signs of alcoholism such as hangovers and blackouts. Addiction is due to the changes in metabolism that occur when an individual drinks alcohol regularly. These changes cause tolerance and dependency, creating a false state of homeostasis. Alcohol dependence symptoms can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed properly.
The evaluation and stabilization stages of detox include assessing the medical history of the patient and drinking and drug use as well as looking at the person's home environment and lifestyle to gain a better understanding of their support systems. This information can aid the medical team in making recommendations on the nature and duration of their detox.
During this phase the medical team will administer medications that mimic the effects of alcohol and reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medications to treat any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The medications used during this phase are typically taken orally and may include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and sedatives. These drugs are usually administered in a hospital or a detox treatment center and must be supervised closely by the medical staff to be sure that there are no potentially fatal adverse effects like seizures.
A few people who are looking for detox programs may also enroll directly into an addiction treatment program. This could be a good idea, as it allows the detox and treatment processes to be integrated and decrease the chance that the individual will relapse after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
In this stage, the liver begins to transform potentially harmful lipid-soluble chemicals into less harmful water-soluble substances through reactions such as sulfation, glutathione conjugation and acetylation. These new compounds are more easily eliminated from the body. This process is dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily nutrient dependent. Protein, vegetables, fruit and herbs can all help in this stage of detoxification. Milk thistle is a great example. It improves the normal liver functions and helps stages 1 and 2. It has been utilized for ages as a natural remedy for liver problems.
In addition, it's essential to include fiber in your diet during this time because it can help prevent constipation as well as aid in bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this stage the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol begin to get more severe. They can include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium tremens, especially, are an emergency medical situation and can be life-threatening. In addition, they can cause people to drink again and abandon their detox regimen. This is why it is so important to be under the care of a trained medical professional in a detox facility during this stage.
During a medically supervised detox, the client's heart rate as well as blood pressure are monitored to ensure their safety and well-being. They may receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved for treating alcohol withdrawal seizures and the delirium tremens. These medications can also be used to relieve the discomfort caused by other withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or tremors. In addition, a substance called naltrexone can be prescribed to lessen cravings for alcohol. This drug is available in the form of an oral pill, or may be administered via injection. The pill version of naltrexone is available as ReVia and Depade, while the injectable form is known under the brand name Vivitrol.
It is not unusual for withdrawal symptoms to last for a few weeks even after the detox process is complete. In some instances they may last longer. Some people will struggle with them throughout their lives, depending on the severity of their addiction and how long they have been drinking.
The first step to recovery from alcohol dependence is to enroll in the detoxification program. It can be either outpatient or inpatient, but the best option is to find a detox program that offers around-the-clock medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs are available in a hospital or clinic setting. They are suggested for those suffering from severe alcohol dependence. Outpatient programs are available for those with less severe alcohol addictions. They allow the person to stay at home while they are detoxing. The results of a detox program is contingent on the amount of time that a person has abused alcohol and how dependent they are on it. Those with the most severe alcohol addiction will likely have the longest and most difficult detox process.
Stage 4
The symptoms of this phase of detox tend to be mild but they are important to be monitored. These symptoms usually begin within six to eight hours after stopping drinking. They can include stomach pains and insomnia. alcohol detox center can also include mood swings, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to symptoms of a hangover and should not be overlooked.
As the symptoms ease, more severe ones begin to appear. The second phase of AWS causes a variety of symptoms, including hallucinations, fever, seizures, agitation and hand tremors. These symptoms are more hazardous and can be life-threatening. Certain people who are in this stage of detoxification from alcohol may experience the delirium tremens syndrome, which can be deadly if not treated appropriately.
When these symptoms begin to diminish, you'll enter the final phase of withdrawal from alcohol. This is the most difficult phase and takes a long time to go through. Your body will produce a lot of toxins in this time and you could become dehydrated. You may also experience cravings, or the possibility of a return.
In this time you should continue seeking treatment at an addiction treatment center. Medical detox is helpful for some, but it doesn't tackle the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs are necessary to overcome the psychological problems that can lead to addiction and substance abuse.
Although detox can be a bit scary, it is vitally important for your recovery. When it is performed under the supervision of a qualified professional, it is an effective and safe method to remove drugs or alcohol from your body and prepare you for rehab. It can save your life in the event of an extremely dangerous alcohol or drug addiction. Contact a treatment specialist today to learn more about the process of detox and how it will benefit your recovery. They will be able to answer your questions and assist you in the process of detox. They can also talk to you about long-term treatment options, such as inpatient care community support groups, or regular therapy sessions.