How to Detox Alcohol
Alcohol addiction can cause serious health problems like liver damage and heart disease. To reverse the effects of alcohol it is often recommended to stop drinking.
It is recommended to detox under medical supervision if you have a medical condition that can be aggravated by alcohol withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the very first step to recovery from alcoholism. The medically supervised procedure is designed to ease the mental and physical effects of long-term drinking. During the detox process, clients may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, nausea, shaking and fatigue. During alcohol home detox will undergo an extensive medical examination and tests on blood to determine the amount of drugs in their system. The goal of detoxification is to remove all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance within the nervous system as well as the brain.
Alcohol is a significant issue for a lot of people. It can cause serious health issues. There are less obvious problems like liver disease and cognitive dysfunction in addition to the obvious symptoms of alcoholism such as blackouts and hangovers. Addiction is primarily due to the changes in metabolism that occur when an individual drinks alcohol regularly. These changes cause tolerance and dependency, creating an illusion of homeostasis. The signs of dependence on alcohol can be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization phase of detox involves assessing the patient’s medical history, drug and alcohol consumption as well as their home environment and lifestyle to know their support systems. This information will allow the medical team to recommend the type and duration of the detox.
During this phase the medical team will administer a medication that mimics the effects of alcohol consumption and decreases withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe other medication to address any problems that are co-occurring or general discomfort. The drugs used in this stage are usually taken orally and could include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and sedatives. These drugs are typically administered in a detox center or hospital and are closely monitored by medical professionals.
Some people who choose an addiction treatment program may also be enrolled in an addiction treatment program. This could be a good idea, as it allows the detox and treatment process to be integrated and reduce the risk that a person will relapse after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
During this time, the liver begins to transform harmful chemical lipid-soluble compounds into less harmful, water-soluble substances through reactions like sulfation, glutathione conjugation and acetylation. These new compounds can be excreted more easily from the body. This process is heavily dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 system and also heavily dependent on nutrients. Foods that are right for you can help support this phase of the detox process such as proteins, vegetables, fruits and other herbs. Milk thistle is a good example. It stimulates normal liver functions and aids in phases 1 & 2. It has been extensively used as a natural remedy for liver problems.
Additionally, it is important to have fiber in your diet during this time because it can prevent constipation and support bowel movements.
in home alcohol detox
In this stage the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol begin to intensify. They may include hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion. Delirium Tremens is an emergency medical condition that could be life-threatening. Additionally, they could cause people to drink again and abandon their detox plans. It is important to be under the supervision of a medical professional in an establishment that provides 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 can be prescribed benzodiazepines that are FDA-approved to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and the delirium of tremens. These medications also help ease the discomfort associated with other withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and tremors. Naltrexone is a medication that can also be prescribed to reduce the effects of alcohol dependence. The drug is available as an oral pill, or may be administered by injection. The pill version of naltrexone can be available as ReVia and Depade and the injectable version is marketed by the brand name Vivitrol.
It is not unusual for withdrawal symptoms to last a few weeks even after the detox process has been completed. In some instances, they may persist for a longer time. Some people have to deal with them all the time of their lives, based on the severity of the addiction and the length of time they've been drinking.
The first step towards recovery from alcoholism is to enroll in a detoxification program. It can be an inpatient or outpatient program, but it is best to select one that provides 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs are offered in a clinic or hospital setting. They are suggested for those with severe alcohol dependence. For those with less severe addictions, an outpatient program is an alternative that allows the patient to remain at home during their detox. The results of a detox program depends on the amount of time that a person has abused alcohol and the degree of dependence they are. People with the most severe addiction to alcohol will likely have the longest and most difficult detox process.
Stage 4
Symptoms in this stage of detox are typically mild but they are important to monitor. These symptoms usually start within the first six to eight hours after stopping drinking. They can include stomach pains and insomnia. They can also include mood swings, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to the symptoms of hangovers and should not be ignored.
As these symptoms subside but more severe ones begin to show up. The second phase of AWS produces a wide range of symptoms, such as hallucinations, fever, seizures, agitation and hand tremors. These are more dangerous than previous symptoms and can cause serious life-threatening issues. Certain people who are in this stage of alcohol withdrawal may suffer from delirium-tremens. This could be fatal if not handled properly.
Once in home alcohol detox begin to taper off, you'll enter the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most difficult phase and takes a long time to go through. Your body will produce lots of toxins during this time and you could become dehydrated. You may also experience cravings, or even an return.
In this time it is recommended to seek treatment from a drug addiction treatment center. Medical detox is beneficial for certain people, but it doesn't address the underlying reasons of addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs can help people overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
The process of detox can be a bit scary however, it is essential to your recovery. When it's performed under the supervision of a trained professional, it is an effective and safe way to eliminate alcohol or drugs from your body and prepare for rehab. It can also save your life, especially in the case of an addiction that threatens your life to drugs or alcohol. Contact a specialist in treatment today to find out more about detoxification and how it can aid your recovery. They are able to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of detox. They can also talk to you about options for long-term treatment like inpatient care and community support groups, as well as regular therapy sessions.