How to Detox Alcohol
Alcohol addiction can cause serious health issues including heart disease and damage to the liver. It is usually necessary to stop drinking to reverse the effects and improve physical well-being.
It's best to detox under medical supervision if you have an illness that could be aggravated by alcohol withdrawal or if alcohol withdrawal seizures have occurred in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the initial step in overcoming alcoholism. The medically supervised process is designed to relieve the physical and mental effects of long-term drinking. During the detox process, clients may be afflicted by withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, anxiety, nausea and fatigue. During this stage, the client will undergo an extensive medical assessment and blood tests to determine the amount of drugs present in their system. The purpose of detoxification is to eliminate all alcohol and drugs from the body and restore a healthy balance in the nervous system and the brain.
Alcohol is a major issue for many people. It can cause serious health issues. There are other issues that are not as obvious like liver disease or cognitive dysfunction, in addition to the obvious signs of alcoholism such as hangovers and blackouts. The primary cause of addiction is the change that occurs in the body's metabolism when an individual consumes alcohol frequently. These changes can lead to tolerance and dependence, creating false homeostasis. The signs of dependence on alcohol can be fatal if not correctly identified and treated.
The stabilization and evaluation phases of detox involve analyzing the patient's medical history as well as the use of alcohol and drugs, as well as examining the person's home environment and lifestyle to get a better idea of their support structures. This information can aid the medical team in making recommendations regarding the nature and duration of their detox.
During this phase the medical team will administer a medication that mimics the effects of drinking alcohol and reduces withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medication to treat any co-occurring disorders, or general discomfort. The medications prescribed during this stage are typically taken orally and can include antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines and sedatives. These medications are typically given in an inpatient or detox center and must be monitored closely by the medical staff.
Some people who enroll in the detox program also enroll in a treatment program for addiction. This can be a good option, since it allows the detox and treatment processes to be integrated and reduce the likelihood that a person will relapse after their alcohol detox is complete.
Stage 2
In this stage, the liver begins to convert hazardous, lipid soluble chemicals into less harmful water-soluble substances through reactions like sulfation glutathione coupling, glucuronidation 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 is also dependent on nutrients. Fruit, protein, vegetables and herbs can all help in this stage of detoxification. Milk thistle is an excellent example. It improves the normal liver functions and assists in the phases 1 and 2. It has been utilized as a natural remedy for liver issues for ages.
Additionally, it is important to have fiber in your diet at this time since it can help prevent constipation and help with bowel movements.
Stage 3
During this time, the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can increase. Hallucinations, seizures and extreme confusion are all possible. Delirium tremens in particular is medical emergencies and could be life-threatening. Additionally, they can cause people to begin drinking again and give up on their detox plans. This is why it's so important to be under the care of a certified medical professional in the detox center 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 comfortable. There are benzodiazepines available which are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and Delirium tremens. These drugs can also be used to relieve the discomfort caused by other withdrawal symptoms like shaking or agitation. A medication called naltrexone can also be prescribed to help reduce alcohol addiction. This drug is available as a pill, or can be administered via injection. The pill version of naltrexone is available under the name ReVia and Depade while the injectable version is marketed under the brand name Vivitrol.
Even after the detoxification process is completed, withdrawal symptoms can last for several days. In certain instances, they could last for longer. Some people struggle with them every day of their lives, based on the severity of their addiction and how long they've been drinking.
The first step on the recovery journey from alcohol addiction is to enter a detox program. It can be either outpatient or inpatient, however the best choice is to find a detox program that has 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs offer this in the hospital, center, or clinic setting and are recommended for those with severe alcohol addictions. For those with moderate addictions an outpatient program is an alternative that allows the patient to stay at home during their detox. The outcomes of a detox program depend on the length of time the person has been consuming alcohol and the degree of dependence. Those with the most severe addiction to alcohol will likely have the longest and most difficult time to complete the detox.
Stage 4
The symptoms of this stage of detox are usually mild but they are essential to be observed. These symptoms usually start within six to eight hours after quitting drinking and include stomach pains and insomnia. They can also include mood swings, tremors and fatigue. These are similar to hangover symptoms and should not be overlooked.
As symptoms ease, more severe ones will appear. The second phase of AWS is marked by a variety of symptoms, including hallucinations and fever. These are more dangerous than previous symptoms and can cause serious life-threatening issues. People who are at this stage of withdrawal from alcohol may be suffering from delirium-tremens. This can be fatal if not handled properly.
Once these symptoms start to ease, you'll enter the final phase of alcohol withdrawal. This is the most crucial period and will take longer to overcome. During this time your body will release lots of toxins and may become dehydrated as a result. You may also be experiencing cravings, or the possibility of a relapse.
In this period it is recommended to seek assistance from a treatment center for drug addiction. Medical detox is helpful for some however it doesn't solve the root causes of drug addiction. home detox alcohol can help people overcome the mental issues that lead to substance abuse.
While detox isn't easy but it is essential to your recovery. Under the supervision of a professional, detox can be an effective and safe way to eliminate alcohol or drugs from your body. It can also prepare you for rehab. in home alcohol detox could also help save your life, particularly if you are suffering from an addiction that threatens your life to alcohol or drugs. Contact a specialist in treatment today to find out more about detoxification and how it can help your recovery. They are able to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of detox. alcohol home detox will also be able to inform you about long-term treatment options like inpatient care, community support groups or regular therapy sessions.