How to Detox Alcohol
The addiction to alcohol can cause serious health issues including heart disease and liver damage. To reverse the effects of alcohol, it is often necessary to stop drinking.
It is best to cleanse from alcohol under medical supervision, especially if you have a medical condition that could be worsened by alcohol withdrawal or if you've had alcohol withdrawal seizures in the past.
Stage 1
Detoxification is the initial step towards recovery from alcoholism. in home alcohol detox supervised process is designed to alleviate the physical and mental effects of drinking for a long time. During the process of detox, patients may be afflicted by withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, anxiety, shaking and fatigue. During this stage the patient will undergo an extensive medical examination and tests for blood to determine the level of substances in their system. The purpose of detoxification is to remove all drugs and alcohol from the body and restore a healthy balance in the nervous system and the brain.
For a lot of people, alcohol is a serious issue that causes serious health problems. There are less obvious problems such as liver disease and cognitive dysfunction as well as the obvious signs of alcoholism, like hangovers and blackouts. Addiction is mostly caused by the changes in metabolism that occur when someone drinks alcohol frequently. These changes lead to dependence and tolerance, which creates an unnatural state of homeostasis. The symptoms of alcohol dependence could be fatal if they are not properly diagnosed and treated.
The evaluation and stabilization stages of detox include assessing the patient's medical history and drug and alcohol use, as well as examining the environment in which the patient lives and their lifestyle to gain a better understanding of their support systems. This information will allow the medical team to make recommendations about the kind of treatment and duration for the detox.
In this phase, the medical team will administer medication that mimic the effects of alcohol and help reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medical team will also administer medication to treat any co-occurring disorders, or general discomfort. The medications taken during this stage can include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These medications are often given in a hospital or detox treatment center and must be supervised closely by the medical staff to be sure that there are no potentially fatal adverse effects like seizures.
Some individuals who seek out an addiction treatment program may also be enrolled in an addiction treatment program. This can be a good option, since it will allow the detox and treatment procedures to be integrated and reduce the likelihood that the individual will relapse after their alcohol detox is over.
Stage 2
In this stage, the liver begins to convert harmful, lipid-soluble substances into less harmful, water soluble substances using reactions like sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione coupling, and acetylation. These new chemicals are much easier to eliminated from the body. This process is heavily dependent on the liver's cytochrome P450 system, and also dependent on the nutrients. Foods that are right for you can help support this phase of detox, including proteins, vegetables, fruits and other herbs. One example is milk thistle, which improves liver function and aids in the phases 1 and 2. It has been utilized as a natural remedy to treat liver issues for ages.
In addition, it is crucial to incorporate fiber into your diet during this time because it can prevent constipation as well as aid in bowel movements.
Stage 3
In this stage when the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can increase. Seizures, hallucinations and extreme confusion are all possible. Delirium tremens symptoms, in particular, are a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Additionally, they can lead people to start drinking again and give up on their detox plans. This is why it's so important to be under the guidance of a certified medical professional at a detox facility 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 can be prescribed benzodiazepines that are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol withdrawal seizures and Delirium tremens. These drugs also help to alleviate the discomfort of other withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and agitation. In addition, a substance called naltrexone can be prescribed to decrease alcohol cravings. The medication 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 form is known by the brand name Vivitrol.
It is not uncommon for withdrawal symptoms to last a few weeks, even after the detox process is completed. In some instances, they may last for longer. Some people struggle with them every day of their lives, depending on the severity of their addiction and how long they've been drinking.
The first step towards recovery from alcoholism is to enroll in a detoxification program. It can be either outpatient or inpatient, however the best choice is to find a detox program that offers 24/7 medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs can be found in a hospital or clinic setting. They are suggested for those suffering from severe alcohol dependence. Outpatient programs are offered to those who have moderate alcohol dependence. They allow the patient to remain at home as they are detoxing. The outcomes of a detox program will depend on the length of time the person has been consuming alcohol and their degree of dependence on it. Those with the most severe addiction to alcohol will likely experience the longest and most difficult time to complete the detox.
Stage 4
The symptoms are not severe, but they must be watched closely. The symptoms typically begin within 6-8 hours after stopping drinking. They can include stomach discomforts and insomnia. They may also be accompanied by mood swings, tremors, and fatigue. These are similar to the symptoms of hangovers and should not be ignored.
As symptoms diminish, more severe ones begin to appear. The second phase of AWS is characterized by a variety of symptoms including hallucinations and fever. These symptoms are more dangerous and could be life-threatening. Some people in this stage of detox may suffer delirium tremens, which can be deadly if not treated properly.
Once these symptoms start to ease then 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 tons of toxins during this time and you could be dehydrated. You might be experiencing cravings or a return.
During this time you should continue seeking treatment at a treatment center for addiction. Medical detox can be beneficial for some however it doesn't tackle the root causes of drug addiction. Drug rehabilitation programs are necessary to address the psychological issues that can lead to addiction and abuse of substances.
While detox isn't easy but it is essential to your recovery. When it's conducted under the supervision of a trained professional, it can be an effective and safe way to eliminate alcohol or drugs from your body and prepare you for rehab. It can save your life if you have a life-threatening drug or alcohol addiction. Contact a specialist in treatment today to learn more about the process of detoxification and how it can help your recovery. They will be able to answer any questions you might have and guide you through the process of detox. They can also talk about long-term options for treatment, like inpatient treatment, community support groups, or regular therapy sessions.