How to Detox Alcohol
Alcohol addiction can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and liver damage. To reverse these effects it is usually necessary to stop drinking.
It is best to cleanse from alcohol under medical supervision, particularly in the case of medical conditions that could be aggravated by withdrawal, or if you've suffered alcohol withdrawal seizures in the past.
Stage 1
Detox is the first step to recovery from alcohol dependence. The process is medically supervised and aims to offer relief from the psychological and physical effects of long-term alcohol consumption. During the detox process, patients might experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches, anxiety, shaking and fatigue. During this phase the client will go through a complete medical assessment and blood tests to determine the level of drugs in their system. The purpose of detoxification is to eliminate all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance to the nervous system as well as the brain.
For a lot of people, alcohol is a serious issue that can lead to serious health issues. There are other issues that are not as obvious like liver disease and cognitive impairment, in addition to the obvious signs of alcoholism such as blackouts and hangovers. Addiction is mostly due to the changes in metabolism that occur when a person consumes alcohol frequently. These changes cause dependence and tolerance, which creates an illusion of homeostasis. The symptoms of alcohol dependence could be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization stage of detox involves assessing the patient’s medical history, drug and alcohol use, as well as their home environment and lifestyle to know their support systems. This information will aid the medical team in making recommendations regarding the type and duration of their detox.
During this time the medical team will administer medications that mimic the effects of alcohol and reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medication to treat any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The medications prescribed during this phase are typically taken orally and may include antidepressants as well as 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 avoid potentially fatal adverse effects like seizures.
Some individuals who seek out an addiction treatment program may also be enrolled in an addiction treatment program. 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 it is when the liver begins to transform potentially harmful chemical lipid-soluble compounds into less harmful water-soluble substances through reactions like sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione conjugation, and acetylation. These new compounds are eliminated more easily from the body. This process is heavily dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 system and also heavily dependent on nutrients. Protein, vegetables, fruit, and herbs can all help in this stage of detoxification. One example is milk thistle, which stimulates normal liver function and assists in stages 1 and 2. It has been utilized as a natural remedy to treat liver problems for ages.
Fiber is also crucial during this time, as it helps prevent constipation as well as encourage bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this stage when withdrawal symptoms from alcohol start to get more severe. They may include hallucinations, seizures, and extreme confusion. Delirium Tremens is an emergency medical condition that could be life-threatening. Additionally, they can lead people to start drinking again and give up on their detox programs. It is important to be under the care of a medical professional in an establishment that offers detox during this phase.
In a detox that is medically monitored, a client's blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored to ensure that they are safe and at ease. There are benzodiazepines available which are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tension. They also help reduce the discomfort caused by other withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation and tremors. Additionally, a drug called naltrexone may be prescribed to lessen the craving for alcohol. This medication is available as an oral pill, or may be administered through injection. The pill version of naltrexone is available under the name ReVia and Depade and the injectable form is known by the brand name Vivitrol.
It is not unusual for withdrawal symptoms to last for a few weeks even after the detox process is complete. In some cases they can last for much longer. Some people will have to endure them as a daily struggle throughout their lives, based on the extent of their addiction as well as the length of time they've used alcohol.
The first step on the process of healing from alcohol addiction is to enroll in the detox program. This can be outpatient or inpatient, however the best choice is to find an addiction treatment program that provides around-the-clock medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs are offered in a hospital or clinic setting. They are suggested for those suffering from severe alcohol dependence. For those with moderate addictions outpatient programs are an option that allows the client to stay at home during their alcohol detox. The results of a detox program will depend on the amount of time that a person has been abusing alcohol and how dependent they are on it. The most severe alcohol addiction will likely experience the longest and most difficult detox process.
Stage 4
The symptoms are mild but they must be monitored. They start within the first six to eight hours following you have stopped drinking. they can include stomach discomfort, mood swings, insomnia, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to symptoms of a hangover and should not be ignored.
As symptoms ease they will be followed by more severe symptoms that will begin to show up. The second phase of AWS is characterized by a variety of symptoms including hallucinations and fever. These are more hazardous than the earlier symptoms and can lead to serious life-threatening problems. In this stage, some people of detoxification from alcohol may experience delirium tremens, which can be fatal if not treated properly.
The final phase of withdrawal from alcohol once these symptoms begin to disappear. This is the most difficult phase and will take a long time to complete. During this time your body will release a large amount of toxins and may become dehydrated due to this. You might be experiencing cravings or a Relapse.
During this time you should continue to seek help from a treatment center for drug addiction. While medical detox may be helpful for many people, it is not able to address the underlying reasons for addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help you overcome the psychological issues that lead to addiction to drugs.
Detox can be scary however, it is essential to your recovery. When it is done under the supervision of a trained professional, it is an effective and safe way to eliminate alcohol or drugs from your body and prepare you for rehab. It can also save your life, especially if you are suffering from an addiction that is life-threatening to drugs or alcohol. Contact a treatment specialist now to find out more information about the detox process and how it can benefit your recovery. in home alcohol detox will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you through the process of detox. They can also inform you about options for long-term treatment including inpatient care, community support groups or regular therapy sessions.