How to Detox Alcohol
The addiction to alcohol can cause serious health issues including liver damage and heart disease. To reverse the effects of alcohol, it is often necessary to stop drinking.
It is recommended to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from a medical condition which could be aggravated by withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the first step to recovery from alcoholism. The process is medically monitored and aims to offer relief from the physical and psychological effects of long-term alcohol consumption. During the withdrawal process, people may experience anxiety, headaches and nausea. They might also feel fatigued. During this stage the client will go through a complete medical assessment and tests for blood to determine the level of drugs in their system. alcohol detox at home of detox is to eliminate any alcohol or drugs from the body and restore an equilibrium to the nervous system and brain.
For a lot of people, alcohol is a serious issue that can cause serious health issues. There are less obvious issues like liver disease or cognitive dysfunction as well as the obvious signs of alcoholism such as hangovers and blackouts. Addiction is mostly due to the changes in metabolism that occur when a person drinks alcohol regularly. These changes cause dependence and tolerance, resulting in a false state of homeostasis. Symptoms of alcohol dependence can be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
The stabilization and evaluation phases of detox include assessing the patient's medical history as well as drinking and drug use, as well as examining the environment in which the patient lives and their lifestyle to get a better idea of their support systems. This will enable the medical team to provide recommendations on the kind of treatment and duration for the detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer a medication that mimics the effects of alcohol consumption and decreases withdrawal symptoms. They will also administer other medications to treat any issues that may be causing discomfort or co-occurring disorders. The medications used during this phase are typically taken orally and can include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sedatives. These medications are typically administered in a detox or hospital treatment center and must be supervised closely by the medical staff to prevent dangerous side effects, such as seizures.
Some individuals who seek out an addiction treatment program may also enroll directly into an addiction treatment program. This is a great idea as it will allow the detox and treatment procedures to co-exist and reduce the risk that a person will fall back into addiction after their alcohol detox is over.
Stage 2
During this phase, liver begins to transform harmful, lipid-soluble chemicals into less hazardous water-soluble substances through reactions such as sulfation, glutathione coupling, glucuronidation and acetylation. These new substances are easier to be excreted from the body. This process is heavily dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 system, and also dependent on the nutrients. Protein, vegetables, fruit and herbs can all support this stage of detoxification. One example is milk thistle, that stimulates normal liver function and assists in phases 1 and 2. It has been extensively used as a natural remedy for liver problems.
In addition, it's crucial to incorporate fiber into your diet at this time since it can help prevent constipation and help with bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this phase when the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms begins to increase. They may include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium tremens, especially can be an emergency medical situation and can be life-threatening. Additionally, they could cause people to begin drinking again and abandon their detox regimen. It is important to be under the care of a medical professional at a facility that offers detox during this phase.
During a medically-supervised detox, the blood pressure of the client and heart rate will be monitored to ensure that they are safe and comfortable. They could receive benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tension. These medications can be used to ease the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation or tremors. A drug called naltrexone may also be prescribed to help reduce alcohol dependence. It can be taken in pill form or administered through an injection. The pill form of naltrexone is available in the names ReVia, Depade and Vivitrol.
Even after the detoxification process is completed, withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days. In some cases they can persist for a longer time. Some people have to deal with them throughout their lives, based on the severity of their addiction and the length of time they have been drinking.
The first step in recovering from alcoholism is enrolling in a detoxification program. It can be either outpatient or inpatient, however the best choice is to locate an addiction treatment program that provides around-the-clock medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs provide this in the hospital, center or clinic and are recommended for people with a severe addiction to alcohol. For those who have moderate addictions, an outpatient program is an option that allows the patient to remain at home during their detox. The outcome of a detox program will depend on the length of time that a person has abused alcohol and the degree of dependence they are on it. The most severe alcoholism will have the longest and hardest detox time.
Stage 4
The symptoms are not severe, however they need to be watched closely. They are usually noticed within the first six to eight hours following you have stopped drinking, and they may include stomach pains and mood swings, insomnia tremors and fatigue. These are similar to hangover symptoms and should not be overlooked.
As these symptoms subside more severe ones begin to manifest. The second phase of AWS is characterised by a variety symptoms, including hallucinations and fever. These symptoms are more dangerous and can be life-threatening. Certain people who are in this stage of alcohol detox may experience Delirium tremens, which could be deadly if not treated appropriately.
Once these symptoms begin to diminish, you'll enter the last phase of withdrawal from alcohol. This is the most critical period and will take longer to complete. Your body will release tons of toxins during this time and you could become dehydrated. You might also experience cravings or even an relapse.
In this period it is recommended to seek assistance from a rehabilitation center for addiction. Medical detox is helpful for some, but it doesn't tackle the root causes of addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs are required to address the psychological issues that can lead to addiction and abuse of substances.
Detox can be scary however, it is essential to your recovery. Under the supervision of a qualified professional detox is an effective and safe method to remove alcohol or drugs from your body. It can help you prepare for rehabilitation. It could save your life if you suffer from an incredibly dangerous drug or alcohol addiction. Contact a treatment specialist today to learn more about the detox process and how it will benefit your recovery. They'll be able answer any questions you may have and guide you through the detox process. They will also be able to inform you about options for long-term treatment, such as inpatient care community support groups, or regular therapy sessions.