How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can trigger serious health problems such as heart disease and liver disease. The decision to stop drinking is often needed to reverse these negative effects and improve your physical health.
It is best to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from a medical condition which could be aggravated by alcohol withdrawal or if withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the very first step to recovery from alcoholism. The process is monitored by a doctor and is designed to relieve from the psychological and physical effects of long-term alcohol consumption. During the withdrawal process, patients can experience headaches, anxiety and nausea. They may also experience fatigue. During this time the patient will undergo an extensive medical assessment and blood tests to determine the amount of drugs present in their system. The aim of detoxification is to remove all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance to the nervous system and brain.
Alcohol is a serious problem for a lot of people. It can lead to serious health problems. There are less obvious issues like liver disease or cognitive dysfunction as well as the obvious symptoms of alcoholism such as hangovers and blackouts. The primary cause of addiction is the changes that take place in the body's metabolism when a person drinks alcohol regularly. These changes can lead to dependence and tolerance, which creates a false sense of homeostasis. Symptoms of alcohol dependence can be fatal if not correctly identified and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization stages of detox involve analyzing the medical history of the patient and drug and alcohol use as well as looking at the person's home environment and lifestyle to get a better understanding of their support structures. This information will allow the medical team to make recommendations about the type and duration of the detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer medication that mimics the effects of drinking alcohol and helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medication to treat any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The drugs used in this stage are typically taken orally and could include antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines and sedatives. These medications are typically administered in a detox or hospital 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 a detox program will be enrolled directly into an addiction treatment program. This can be a good idea as it allows the detox and treatment processes to work in tandem and reduce the likelihood that a person will relapse after their alcohol detox is over.
Stage 2
During this phase, liver begins to convert dangerous, lipid soluble chemicals into less hazardous water-soluble substances by using reactions like sulfation glutathione coupling, glucuronidation and acetylation. These new substances are easier to be eliminated from the body. alcohol home detox is a result of the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily dependent on nutrients. Certain foods can aid in this stage of detoxification which includes proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Milk thistle is an excellent example. It helps normal liver functions and helps the phases 1 and 2. It has been extensively used as a natural treatment option for liver issues.
Fiber is also crucial during this period, as it helps prevent constipation as well as promote bowel movements.
Stage 3
At this point the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol begin to get more severe. They can include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium Tremens is an emergency medical situation that could be life-threatening. They can also cause people to stop detoxing and begin drinking again. This is why it is essential to be under the care of a qualified medical professional in the detox center during this time.
In a detox that is medically monitored, a client's blood pressure and heart rate are monitored to ensure they're safe and comfortable. There are benzodiazepines available which are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. These drugs can be used to ease the discomfort caused by other withdrawal symptoms like shaking or agitation. Naltrexone is a medication that can also be prescribed to help reduce alcohol dependence. This medication is available as a pill, or can be administered by injection. The pill version of naltrexone can be found in the names ReVia, Depade and Vivitrol.
It is not unusual for withdrawal symptoms to last a few weeks even after the detox process has been completed. In some cases they can last for much longer. Some people will experience them as a daily struggle throughout their lives, depending on the degree of their addiction and the amount of time they've used alcohol.
The first step in recovering from alcoholism is enrolling in a detoxification program. This can be outpatient or inpatient, however the best option is to choose an addiction treatment program that provides around-the-clock medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs provide this in the hospital, center, or clinic setting and are recommended for people who suffer from severe addiction to alcohol. Outpatient programs are available for those with moderate alcohol dependence. They allow the patient to live at home while they undergo detox. The result of a detox program is contingent on the length of time that someone has used alcohol and how dependent they are. Those with the most severe alcohol addiction will likely experience the longest and most difficult time to complete the detox.
Stage 4
The symptoms are mild however they need to be watched closely. They begin within the first six to eight hours after you stop drinking, and they include things like stomach discomfort as well as mood swings, insomnia, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to the symptoms of hangovers and should not be ignored.
As symptoms ease but more severe ones begin to show up. The second phase of AWS is characterized by a wide array of symptoms, including hallucinations, fever, seizures, agitation and hand tremors. These are more hazardous than the previous symptoms and can cause life-threatening problems. Some people who are in this stage of withdrawal from alcohol may be suffering from delirium-tremens. This could be fatal if it is not treated appropriately.
The final phase of withdrawal from alcohol once these symptoms begin to fade. This is the most crucial phase, and it will take longer to overcome. Your body will produce lots of toxins in this time and you could be dehydrated. You may also be experiencing cravings, or the possibility of a Relapse.
In this period you should continue seeking help at a treatment center for addiction. While medical detox is beneficial for a lot of people, it doesn't tackle the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help people overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
Detox can be scary, but it is crucial to your recovery. Under the supervision of a trained professional detox is an effective and safe way to eliminate alcohol or other drugs from your body. It can also help you prepare for rehab. It could also help save your life, particularly if you are suffering from an addiction that threatens your life to drugs or alcohol. Contact a treatment expert today to learn more about the process of detoxification and how it will help your recovery. They'll be able answer any questions you might have and help you through the process of detox. They can also talk about longer-term options for treatment such as inpatient treatment, community support groups, or regular therapy sessions.