How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can trigger serious health issues, such as liver disease and heart disease. To reverse the effects of alcohol it is usually necessary to stop drinking.
It is best to cleanse from alcohol under medical supervision, especially in the case of an illness that may be worsened by alcohol withdrawal or if you've had seizures due to alcohol withdrawal in the past.
Stage 1
Detox is the first step in the recovery process from alcohol addiction. The process is medically monitored and is designed to relieve from the physical and psychological effects of long-term alcohol consumption. During the process of detox, 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 tests on blood to determine the amount of substances in their system. The goal of detoxification is to eliminate all alcohol and drugs from the body and restore a healthy balance within the nervous system and brain.
Alcohol is a significant issue for a lot of people. It can lead to serious health problems. In addition to the obvious alcoholic symptoms, like blackouts and hangovers. There are also less noticeable issues, like heart disease, liver disease and cognitive impairment. Addiction is due to the changes in metabolism that occur when a person drinks alcohol frequently. These changes cause dependence and tolerance, resulting in a false state of homeostasis. Alcohol dependence symptoms can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed properly.
The evaluation and stabilization stage of detox involves assessing the patient's medical history, their drug and alcohol use and their living environment and lifestyle in order to better comprehend their support systems. This information will help the medical team make recommendations regarding the kind of treatment and duration of their 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 medications to treat any co-occurring disorders, or general discomfort. The medications taken during this phase could include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These drugs are typically administered in the detox center or in a hospital and are closely monitored by the medical staff.
Some people who enroll in a detox program also enroll in an addiction treatment program. This can be a good idea, as it will allow the detox and treatment processes to be integrated and reduce the risk that a person will fall back into addiction after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
In this stage 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, glutathione conjugation and acetylation. These new compounds can be excreted more easily from the body. This process is dependent upon the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily dependent on nutrient. The right foods can support this stage of detox such as protein and vegetables, fruits and other herbs. Milk thistle is an excellent example. It improves the normal liver functions and aids in phases 1 & 2. It has been used for centuries as a natural treatment option for liver issues.
In addition, it is crucial to incorporate fiber into your diet at this time since it can prevent constipation and help with bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this phase, the severity of withdrawal symptoms increases. Hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion are all possible. Delirium tremens, especially, are an emergency medical situation and can be life-threatening. Additionally, they could lead people to start drinking again and abandon their detox programs. It is essential to be under the care of a medical professional in an establishment that provides detox during this phase.
When undergoing a medically-supervised detox, the client's heart rate as well as blood pressure are monitored in order to ensure their safety and security. They may receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. These drugs can also be used to relieve the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or tremors. A drug called naltrexone may also be prescribed to help reduce the effects of alcohol dependence. This drug can be taken in pill form or administered by injection. The pill version of naltrexone is available as ReVia and Depade while the injectable version is marketed 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 much longer. Some people have to deal with them all the time of their lives, depending on the severity of their addiction and how long they have been drinking.
The first step on the process of healing from addiction to alcohol is to enroll in an alcohol detox program. It can be an inpatient or outpatient program, but it is best to choose an addiction treatment center that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs provide this in centers, hospitals or clinic environment and are recommended for people who suffer from severe addiction to alcohol. Outpatient programs are available for those who have moderate alcohol dependence. They permit the patient to remain at home as they undergo detox. The outcomes of a detox treatment program will depend on how long the individual has been using alcohol and the degree of dependence. The most severe alcoholism will have the longest and hardest detox period.
Stage 4
The symptoms of this stage of detox are typically mild, but they are still important to be monitored. These symptoms usually start within 6-8 hours after quitting drinking and include stomach discomfort and insomnia. They may also be accompanied by mood swings, tremors and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of a hangover and should be noticed.
As the symptoms ease, more severe ones begin to manifest. The second phase of AWS produces a wide range of symptoms, including hallucinations seizures, fever and hand tremors. These are more dangerous than the previous symptoms and can cause life-threatening problems. People who are in the midst of alcohol withdrawal may experience delirium-tremens. This can be fatal if not handled correctly.
You'll enter the final stage of alcohol withdrawal once these symptoms begin to disappear. This is the most critical time of all and will take longer to get through. In this period your body produces tons of toxins and may become dehydrated as a result. You might also experience cravings, or even an return.
In this period you should continue to seek help at a treatment center for drug addiction. Medical detox is helpful for certain people however it doesn't address the underlying reasons of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help people overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
Although detox can be a bit scary and stressful, it is crucial for your recovery. Under the supervision of a qualified professional, detox can be an effective and secure method to eliminate alcohol or other drugs from your body. It can also prepare you for rehab. It can save your life if you suffer from an extremely dangerous alcohol or drug addiction. Contact a specialist in treatment today to find out more about detoxification and how it can benefit your recovery. They'll be able answer any questions you might have and guide you through the detox process. They can also discuss longer-term options for treatment like inpatient treatment as well as community support groups or regular therapy sessions.