How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can trigger serious health problems such as liver disease and heart disease. The decision to stop drinking is often needed to reverse these effects and improve physical well-being.
It is recommended to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from an illness that could be made worse by alcohol withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detox is the first step to recovery from alcohol dependence. The process is medically supervised and aims to provide respite from the physical and psychological consequences of drinking alcohol for a long period. During the detox process, patients may be afflicted by withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, anxiety, nausea and fatigue. During this phase the patient will undergo an extensive medical examination and tests on blood to determine the amount of drugs in their system. The aim of detoxification is to eliminate all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance within the nervous system as well as the brain.
Alcohol is a major issue for many people. It can cause serious health problems. There are less obvious problems like liver disease or cognitive impairment, in addition to the obvious symptoms of alcoholism, such a hangovers and blackouts. The primary cause of addiction is the changes that take place in the body's metabolism when a person consumes alcohol regularly. These changes cause tolerance and dependence, creating a false sense of homeostasis. Symptoms of alcohol dependence can be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization phase of detox involves assessing the patient's medical history, drug and alcohol usage, as well as their home environment and lifestyle to understand their support systems. This information will allow the medical team to provide recommendations on the kind of treatment and duration for the detox.
During this time, the medical team will administer a medication that mimics the effects of alcohol consumption and decreases withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe other medications to treat any problems that are co-occurring or general discomfort. The medications that are administered during this phase could include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These drugs are typically administered in the detox center or in a hospital and must be closely monitored by medical personnel.
Some people who sign up for a detox program also enroll in an addiction treatment program. This could be a good idea, as it allows the detox and treatment process to be integrated and reduce the risk that a person will fall back into addiction after their alcohol detox is over.
Stage 2
During this phase, the liver begins to transform harmful lipid-soluble chemicals into less harmful, water soluble substances by using reactions like sulfation, glutathione conjugation and acetylation. These new substances are easier to be excreted from the body. alcohol home detox is a result of the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily nutrient dependent. Fruit, protein, vegetables and herbs can all help in this stage of detoxification. One example is milk thistle that stimulates normal liver function and assists in stages 1 and 2. It has been utilized as a natural remedy for liver problems for centuries.
Fiber is also crucial during this time, as it can prevent constipation and promote bowel movements.
Stage 3
In this stage, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to increase in severity. 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 give up on their detox programs. It is important to be under the supervision of a medical professional at an establishment that provides detox during this phase.
In a medically-supervised detox, the client's heart rate and blood pressure are monitored to ensure their safety and comfort. They could receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved for treating alcohol withdrawal seizures and Delirium tremens. These drugs can also be used to relieve the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms like agitation or tremors. Naltrexone is a medication that can also be prescribed to reduce the effects of alcohol dependence. 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 is completed, withdrawal symptoms may 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 the length of time they've been drinking.
The first step towards recovery from alcohol dependence is to enroll in an alcohol detoxification program. It could be an inpatient or outpatient program, however it is best to select one that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs can be found in a hospital or clinic setting. They are recommended 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 undergo detox. The outcomes of a detox program depend on the length of time the person has been abusing alcohol and their level of dependence. People with the most severe alcohol addiction are likely to have the longest and most difficult time to complete the detox.
Stage 4
The symptoms are not severe, but still need to be monitored. They start within the first six to eight hours following you stop drinking, and they may include stomach discomfort and mood swings, insomnia fatigue and tremors. These symptoms are similar to those of a hangover and should not go unnoticed.
As these symptoms subside 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 symptoms are more hazardous and could be life-threatening. People who are at this stage of withdrawal from alcohol may be suffering from delirium-tremens. This can be fatal if not treated properly.
You'll enter the final stage of withdrawal from alcohol once these symptoms begin to fade. This is the most crucial time of all and will take longer to overcome. Your body produces lots of toxins in this time and you could become dehydrated. You might also experience cravings, or a Relapse.
During this time it is recommended seeking help from a treatment center for drug addiction. While medical detox can be helpful for many people, it doesn't tackle the root reasons for addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help overcome the mental issues that lead to addiction to drugs.
While detox isn't easy and stressful, it is crucial for your recovery. When it is performed under the supervision of a qualified professional, it is an effective and safe way to remove drugs or alcohol from your body and prepare for rehab. It could also save your life, especially if you are suffering from an addiction that threatens your life to drugs or alcohol. Contact a treatment expert today to find out more about the process of detoxification and how it can benefit your recovery. They can answer any questions you may have and help you through the process of detox. They will also be able to inform you about options for long-term treatment including inpatient treatment and community support groups, as well as regular therapy sessions.