How to Detox Alcohol
The addiction to alcohol can cause serious health issues, such as heart disease and damage to the liver. To reverse these effects it is usually necessary to stop drinking.
It is best to cleanse from alcohol under medical supervision, particularly if you have medical conditions that could be worsened by alcohol withdrawal or if you've had alcohol withdrawal seizures in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the very first step to recovery from alcoholism. The process is medically supervised and aims to offer relief from the physical and psychological effects of drinking for a long time. During the process of detox, patients might experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, nausea and fatigue. During this phase, the client will undergo a complete medical assessment and blood tests to determine the level of substances in their system. The goal of detox is to remove any alcohol or drugs from the body and restore an equilibrium to the nervous system and brain.
Alcohol is a serious problem for many people. It can cause serious health issues. In addition to the obvious alcohol symptoms, like blackouts and hangovers. There are also lesser-known issues, like cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and cognitive impairment. Addiction is mostly due to the changes in metabolism that occur when an individual drinks alcohol frequently. These changes lead to dependence and tolerance, resulting in false homeostasis. Alcohol dependence symptoms can be fatal if they are not diagnosed and treated properly.
The evaluation and stabilization stage of detox involves evaluating the patient's medical history, drug and alcohol consumption as well as their living environment and lifestyle in order to better understand their support systems. This information will enable the medical team to make recommendations about the kind of treatment and duration for the detox.
During this time, the medical team will administer medication that mimics the effects of drinking alcohol and helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. They will also administer additional medication to address any issues that may be causing discomfort or co-occurring disorders. The medications prescribed during this stage are usually taken orally and may include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sedatives. These medications are often given in a detox or hospital treatment center and must be monitored closely by the medical staff to be sure that there are no dangerous side effects, such as seizures.
Some people who sign up for a detox program also enroll in an addiction treatment program. This could be a good idea as it will allow the detox and treatment process to work in tandem and decrease the chance that the individual will relapse after their alcohol detox is over.
Stage 2
During this phase, liver begins to convert harmful, lipid-soluble chemicals into less harmful water-soluble substances by using reactions like sulfation glucuronidation, glutathione coupling, and acetylation. These new compounds can be eliminated more easily from the body. This process is dependent upon the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily dependent on nutrients. Fruit, protein, vegetables, and herbs can all support this stage 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 to treat liver problems for centuries.
Fiber is also essential during this time, as it helps prevent constipation as well as encourage bowel movements.
alcohol detox center
In this stage, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to get more severe. They may include hallucinations seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium Tremens is an emergency medical condition that could 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 guidance of a qualified medical professional at a detox facility during this time.
During a medically-supervised detox a client's blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored to ensure they are safe and comfortable. They may receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. These drugs also help to alleviate the discomfort of other withdrawal symptoms like shaking and agitation. In addition, a medication called naltrexone may be prescribed to decrease cravings for alcohol. It can be taken as a pill or administered via an injection. The pill version of naltrexone can be available as ReVia and Depade while the injectable form is known under the brand name Vivitrol.
Even after the detoxification process has been completed, withdrawal symptoms can last for several days. In certain instances, they can last much longer. Some people struggle with them every day of their lives, depending upon the severity of their addiction and how long they have been drinking.
The first step on the process of healing from alcohol addiction is to enroll in a detox program. It can be an inpatient or outpatient program, however it is best to choose a detox center that offers 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs provide this in the hospital, center or clinic and are recommended for those who suffer from severe addiction to alcohol. Outpatient programs are offered to those who have less severe alcohol addictions. They allow the patient to remain at home as they are detoxing. The outcome of a detox program depends on the length of time that a person has been abusing alcohol and the degree of dependence they are. The most severe cases of alcoholism will be the most difficult and long detox time.
Stage 4
The symptoms aren't severe, but they must be watched closely. The symptoms typically begin within the first six to eight hours after quitting drinking and include stomach pains and insomnia. They may also be accompanied by mood swings, tremors, and fatigue. These are similar to the symptoms of hangovers and should not be ignored.
As the symptoms diminish they will be followed by more severe symptoms that will begin to show up. The second phase of AWS is characterized by a wide array of symptoms, such as hallucinations, seizures, fever, agitation and hand tremors. These symptoms are more hazardous and could be life-threatening. People who are in the midst of withdrawal from alcohol may experience delirium-tremens. This can be fatal if it is not treated properly.
Once these symptoms start to diminish then you'll enter the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most critical time of all, and it will take longer to overcome. In this period your body will release a large amount of toxins and could be dehydrated as a result. You may also be experiencing cravings, or a Relapse.
During this time you should continue seeking treatment at a drug addiction treatment center. While medical detox can be helpful for many people, it is not able to deal with the root causes of addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help people overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
While detox can be scary and stressful, it is crucial to your recovery. When it is done under the supervision of a qualified professional, it can be an effective and safe way to remove alcohol or drugs from your body and prepare you for rehabilitation. It can save your life if you suffer from a life-threatening drug or alcohol addiction. Contact a specialist in treatment today to learn more about the process of detoxification and how it can aid your recovery. They'll be able answer any questions you might have and help you through the detox process. They can also talk to you about options for long-term treatment like inpatient treatment and community support groups, as well as regular therapy sessions.