How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can lead to serious health problems such as liver disease and heart disease. It is usually necessary to stop drinking 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 aggravated by alcohol withdrawal or if withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
The first step is to detox to recovery from alcohol dependence. 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, shaking and fatigue. In this stage, the client will undergo a complete medical assessment and tests on blood to determine the amount of drugs in their system. The goal of detoxification is to eliminate all alcohol and drugs from the body, and restore a healthy balance in the nervous system and the brain.
Alcohol is a serious problem for a lot of people. It can cause serious health problems. There are less obvious issues like liver disease and cognitive dysfunction, in addition to the obvious signs of alcoholism, like hangovers and blackouts. The primary reason for addiction is the changes that take place in the body's metabolism when a person drinks alcohol regularly. These changes cause dependence and tolerance, resulting in a false state of 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 use as well as their lifestyle and home environment in order to understand their support systems. This information will allow the medical team to recommend the kind of treatment and duration for the detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer drugs that mimic the effects of alcohol and help reduce withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe other medication to address any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The medications used during this stage are usually taken orally and may include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sedatives. These medications are typically administered in a hospital or a detox treatment center and must be monitored closely by medical professionals to be sure that there are no potentially fatal side effects, such as seizures.
A few people who are looking for detox programs may be enrolled directly into an addiction treatment program. This is a great idea, as it allows the detox and treatment procedures to be integrated and reduce the likelihood that a person will relapse after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
During this phase it is when the liver begins to transform potentially harmful lipid-soluble chemicals into less harmful water soluble substances by using reactions such as sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione conjugation, and acetylation. These new compounds are removed more easily from the body. This process is heavily dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 system, and is also dependent on nutrients. Certain foods can aid in this stage of the detox process such as protein and vegetables, fruits and herbs. One example is milk thistle, which stimulates normal liver function and assists in stages 1 and 2. It has been used as a natural remedy to treat liver problems for ages.
Fiber is also important during this time, as it helps prevent constipation as well as encourage bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this stage, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to intensify. Hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion are all possible. Delirium tremens in particular is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. They can also cause people to stop detoxing and begin drinking again. This is why it is so important to be under the guidance of a certified medical professional in an establishment for detox during this time.
In a medically-supervised detox the client's heart rate and blood pressure are monitored to ensure their safety and security. They can be prescribed benzodiazepines, which are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and the delirium tremens. These drugs can be used to ease the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or tremors. In addition, a substance called naltrexone can be prescribed to lessen the craving for alcohol. The drug is available in the form of an oral pill, or may be administered through injection. The pill form of naltrexone comes in the brands ReVia Depade and Vivitrol.
It is not unusual for withdrawal symptoms to last for a few weeks even after the detox process is complete. In certain instances they can last longer. alcohol detox near me suffer from them as a constant struggle throughout their lives, depending on the degree of their addiction and the amount of time they've been using alcohol.
The first step in the process of recovery from addiction to alcohol is to enter the detox program. It could be an inpatient or an outpatient program, but it is recommended to select one that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs offer this in the hospital, center or clinic and are recommended for people who suffer from severe addiction to alcohol. For those with less severe addictions, an outpatient program is an option that allows the client to stay at home during their alcohol detox. The outcomes of a detox program depend on the length of time the person has been consuming alcohol and the degree of dependence. Those with the most severe alcohol addiction will likely experience the longest and most difficult detox period.
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 include things like stomach pains as well as mood swings, insomnia, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to hangover symptoms and should not be ignored.
As these symptoms subside, more severe ones will start to appear. The second phase of AWS is marked by a variety of symptoms including hallucinations and fever. These are more hazardous than the previous symptoms and can cause serious life-threatening issues. Certain people who are in this stage of alcohol withdrawal may be suffering from delirium-tremens. This can be fatal if not handled properly.
Once these symptoms start to diminish and you'll be entering the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most crucial phase, and it will take longer to get through. In this period, your body will produce tons of toxins, and you may become dehydrated due to this. You might also feel a craving, or perhaps a return.
During this time you should continue seeking treatment at a treatment center for addiction. Medical detox can be beneficial for some, but it doesn't solve the root causes of addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs are required to overcome the psychological problems that often lead to addiction and substance abuse.
Detox can be frightening, but it is crucial to your recovery. Under the supervision of a qualified professional detox can be an effective and safe method to eliminate alcohol or drugs from your body. It can also help you prepare for rehab. It could save your life if you suffer from a life-threatening drug or alcohol addiction. Contact a treatment expert today to learn more about detoxification and how it will benefit your recovery. They'll be able answer any questions you might have and assist you with the detox process. They can also discuss long-term options for treatment, like inpatient therapy or community support groups or regular therapy sessions.