How to Detox Alcohol
Alcoholism can trigger serious health issues like heart disease and liver disease. To reverse these effects it is usually necessary to stop drinking.
It's best to detox under medical supervision if you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by withdrawal or if withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the very first step towards recovery from alcoholism. The process is monitored by a doctor and aims to provide respite from the psychological and physical effects of drinking for a long time. During the withdrawal process, clients can experience headaches, anxiety and nausea. They might also experience fatigue. During this stage the patient will undergo an extensive medical exam and blood tests in order to determine the amount of drugs in their system. The aim of detox is to eliminate any drugs or alcohol from the body and restore an appropriate balance to the nervous system and brain.
Alcohol is a major issue for a lot of people. It can lead to serious health issues. In addition to the obvious alcoholic symptoms, like hangovers and blackouts, there are other less obvious problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and cognitive dysfunction. The primary reason for addiction is the change that occurs in the body's metabolism when a person drinks alcohol frequently. These changes cause dependence and tolerance, resulting in a false sense of homeostasis. Symptoms of alcohol dependence can be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
The stabilization and evaluation phases of detox involve assessing the patient's medical history as well as the use of alcohol and drugs as well as looking at the patient's home and lifestyle to get a better understanding of their support structures. This information will enable the medical team to make recommendations about the type and duration of the detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer medications that mimic the effects of alcohol, and will reduce withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe other medications to treat any co-occurring disorders or general discomfort. The medications that are administered in this stage could include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. 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 side effects such as seizures.
Some people who enroll in a detox program also sign up for a treatment program for addiction. This is a good option because it allows the detoxification and treatment to be coordinated and reduces the likelihood of the possibility of relapse.
Stage 2
In this stage, the liver begins to transform hazardous, lipid soluble chemicals into less hazardous water-soluble substances through reactions like sulfation glucuronidation, glutathione coupling, and acetylation. These new compounds are more easily excreted from the body. This process is dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and is also heavily nutrient dependent. The right foods can support this stage of the detox process such as protein, vegetables, fruits and herbs. One example is milk thistle, that stimulates normal liver function and aids in the phases 1 and 2. It has been extensively used as a natural treatment for liver issues.
Additionally, it is important to have fiber in your diet during this time because it can aid in preventing constipation as well as aid in bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this stage when withdrawal symptoms from alcohol start to get more severe. home detox alcohol may include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium tremens in particular, are an emergency medical situation and can be life-threatening. Additionally, they could lead people to start drinking again and give up on their detox plans. It is crucial to be under the supervision of a medical professional in a facility that offers detox during this time.
When undergoing a medically-supervised detox, the client's heart rate as well as blood pressure will be monitored to ensure their safety and well-being. They may be given benzodiazepines which are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. They also help reduce the discomfort caused by other withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety and tremors. A drug called naltrexone may be prescribed to treat alcohol addiction. The drug is available in the form of an oral pill, or may be administered by injection. The pill version of naltrexone is available under the name ReVia and Depade while the injectable form is known under the brand name Vivitrol.
It is not uncommon for withdrawal symptoms to last for a few weeks, even after the detox process is completed. In some instances, they may persist for a longer time. Some people will suffer from them as a constant struggle throughout their lives, based on the degree of their addiction and the length of time they've used alcohol.
The first step on the process of healing from addiction to alcohol is to join a detox program. This could be an outpatient or inpatient, but the best option is to locate a detox program that has 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs offer this in a hospital, center or clinic environment and are recommended for people with a severe addiction to alcohol. For those who have less severe addictions outpatient programs are an option that allows the patient to stay at home during their detox. The outcomes of a detox treatment program will depend on the length of time the individual has been using alcohol and the degree of dependence. People with the most severe addiction to alcohol will likely have the longest and most difficult detox process.
Stage 4
The symptoms in this phase of detox tend to be mild, but they are still important to be monitored. They begin within the first six to eight hours after you have stopped drinking. they can include stomach discomfort and mood swings, insomnia tremors and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to a hangover and should not be ignored.
As symptoms diminish, more severe ones begin to appear. The second phase of AWS causes a variety of symptoms, including hallucinations, seizures, fever as well as hand tremors, agitation and tremors. These are more hazardous than the earlier symptoms and could lead to life-threatening problems. Some people who are in this stage of withdrawal from alcohol may suffer from delirium-tremens. This could be fatal if not handled correctly.
You'll be entering the final stage of withdrawal from alcohol once these symptoms begin to fade. alcohol home detox is the most difficult stage and takes a long time to go through. Your body produces a lot of toxins during this time and you could be dehydrated. You might be experiencing cravings or the possibility of a Relapse.
During home detox from alcohol should continue seeking treatment at an addiction treatment center. Medical detox can be beneficial for some people but it does not solve the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help you overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
Detox can be frightening, but it is crucial to your recovery. Under the supervision of a trained professional detox can be an effective and safe way to remove alcohol or drugs from your body. It can help you prepare for rehabilitation. It can save your life in the event of an extremely dangerous alcohol or drug addiction. Contact a specialist in treatment now to find out more information about the process of detox and how it can benefit your recovery. They are able to answer any questions you may have and help you through the process of detox. They can also inform you about long-term treatment options, such as inpatient care, community support groups or regular therapy sessions.