How to Detox Alcohol
The addiction to alcohol can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease and liver damage. It is usually necessary to stop drinking to reverse the effects and improve physical well-being.
It's best to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the very first step towards recovery from alcoholism. The process is monitored by a doctor and aims to provide respite from the psychological and physical effects of long-term alcohol consumption. During the process of detox, patients might suffer withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety, nausea and fatigue. During this time that the client is subject to an extensive medical examination and blood tests to determine the amount of drugs in their system. The goal of detoxification is to remove all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance in the nervous system and the brain.
For home detox from alcohol , drinking alcohol is a major issue that can cause serious health issues. In addition to the obvious alcoholic symptoms, such as blackouts and hangovers, there are other less obvious issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and cognitive impairment. The primary reason for addiction is the change that occurs in the body's metabolism when a person drinks alcohol regularly. These changes lead to dependence and tolerance, which creates false homeostasis. The symptoms of alcohol dependence could be fatal if they are not properly identified and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization stage of detox involves evaluating the patient's medical history, their drug and alcohol usage as well as their lifestyle and home environment in order to better understand their support systems. This information can assist the medical team to make recommendations on the kind of treatment and duration of their detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer a medication that mimics the effects of drinking alcohol and helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. They will also administer additional medications to treat any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The medications used 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 personnel to avoid dangerous side effects such as seizures.
Some people who enroll in the detox program are also enrolled in a treatment program for addiction. This is a good idea since it allows detoxification and treatment to co-exist and reduces the risk of relapse.
Stage 2
During this phase, liver begins to convert harmful, lipid-soluble chemicals into less harmful water-soluble substances by using reactions like sulfation, glutathione coupling, glucuronidation and acetylation. These new compounds can be removed more easily from the body. This process is dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and it is also heavily dependent on nutrient. Fruit, protein, vegetables and herbs can all aid in this phase of detoxification. Milk thistle is an excellent example. It helps normal liver functions and assists in the phases 1 and 2. It has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for liver problems.
Fiber is also crucial during this time, since it can prevent constipation and aid in bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this time during this time, the severity of withdrawal symptoms increases. Hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion are all possible. Delirium Tremens is an emergency medical situation that could be life-threatening. Additionally, they can cause people to drink again and give up on their detox regimen. This is why it's essential to be under the care of a certified medical professional in an establishment for detox during this phase.
During a medically-supervised detox a client's blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored to ensure that they are secure and comfortable. They can be prescribed benzodiazepines which are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. They also help ease the discomfort associated with other withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and agitation. A medication called naltrexone can also be prescribed to help reduce alcohol dependence. This drug can be taken as a pill or administered through an injection. The pill form of naltrexone can be found in the brands ReVia Depade and Vivitrol.
It is not uncommon 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 struggle with them every day of their lives, depending on the severity of their addiction and the length of time they have been drinking.
The first step in recovering from alcoholism is enrolling in a detoxification program. It could be an inpatient or outpatient program, but it is best to choose one that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs offer this in centers, hospitals or clinic and are recommended for those with a severe addiction to alcohol. For those who have less severe addictions outpatient programs are an alternative that allows the patient to remain at home during their alcohol detox. The results of a detox program depend on how long the individual has been using alcohol and their level of dependence. Those with the most severe addiction to alcohol will likely experience the longest and most difficult time to complete the detox.
Stage 4
The symptoms aren't severe, but still need to be monitored. They begin within the first six to eight hours after you have stopped drinking, and they can include stomach discomfort and insomnia, mood swings, fatigue and tremors. These symptoms are similar to those of a hangover and should not go unnoticed.
As the symptoms diminish, more severe ones will start to appear. The second phase of AWS is characterized by a variety of symptoms including hallucinations and fever. These are more dangerous than the previous symptoms and can cause life-threatening problems. In this stage, some people of detox may suffer Delirium tremens, which could be deadly if not treated correctly.
Once these symptoms begin to taper off and you'll be entering the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most crucial time of all and will take longer to complete. Your body produces a lot of toxins in this time and you may become dehydrated. You might also experience cravings, or even a relapse.
During this period you should continue to seek treatment from a drug addiction treatment center. While medical detox can be beneficial for many people, it does not tackle the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help people overcome the psychological issues that lead to substance abuse.
While detox can be scary, it is vitally important to your recovery. When it's 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 for rehabilitation. It can save your life in the event of an incredibly dangerous drug or alcohol addiction. Contact a treatment specialist today to learn more about the detox process and how it will benefit your recovery. They will be able to answer your questions you may have and help you through the process of detox. They can also discuss the long-term options for treatment like inpatient treatment, community support groups, or regular therapy sessions.