Alcohol is a highly addictive substance that takes its toll on the body. Getting rid of it can be challenging, but it is an important step in recovery from alcoholism.
Detox is the first stage of an addiction treatment program. During this process, patients undergo a comprehensive review of their medical and psychiatric histories. Medications may be prescribed to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and target co-occurring disorders or general discomfort.
Choosing a Detox Facility
Detoxification is a crucial first step in recovery from addiction. However, not all detox centers are the same and settling on the wrong choice could be the difference between an effective rehab and a poor result.
A quality facility should offer medically supervised detoxification services. This ensures that the patient is not exposed to dangerous side effects and symptoms of withdrawal.
The facility should also provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere during the detox process. This is important for both physical and mental health.
In addition, the facility should have expertise in treating people who are addicted to the substance they are detoxing from. This includes alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescription and street drugs.
A detox facility should also offer therapy options to help patients overcome cravings and emotions. Some facilities will even provide referrals to rehab centers once the client has completed their detox program.
Preparing for Detox
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, the first step towards recovery is detox. While withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful, they are essential for breaking physical dependence on alcohol.
Detox should be done under medical supervision to reduce the risk of complications such as delirium tremens and other serious health conditions. Medications are often used to relieve withdrawal symptoms such as dehydration, nausea, seizures and insomnia.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to hydrate your body and counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol. It is also important to consume healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables and soups that can be easily digested.
Recreational activities can also be beneficial during a detox process. From games to expressive artistic activities, they can help you stay occupied and keep your mind off alcohol.
Detox Symptoms
When you stop drinking, your body goes through a period of withdrawal to adjust to not having alcohol. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, some mild and some severe.
You may experience insomnia, tremors and an irregular heart rate. Some people also experience a condition called night sweats.
Your health care provider can help you determine the severity of your symptoms and what medications might be helpful to reduce them. They can also give you treatment recommendations and a timeline for recovery.
The length of your alcohol addiction and how much you drink can affect the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. You might have mild withdrawal symptoms for several hours after you stop drinking, or they could last months or even years.
Some individuals experience more severe detox symptoms, such as delirium tremens, which are life-threatening. If these symptoms begin without warning, you should seek immediate medical supervision at an inpatient detox facility.
Detox Options
Alcohol detox is a challenging process that can have negative effects on your health and well-being. Often, you may need to take medication to help alleviate your symptoms and keep them at bay while you get through detox.
If you are struggling with a severe addiction to alcohol, then inpatient detox is the safest and most effective option for you. It can also be the most comfortable, as you’ll stay in a specialized facility that’s designed to make the process easier and less painful.
Medically assisted alcohol detox (MAT) - This type of treatment is supervised by doctors and mental health professionals. They’ll be on hand to monitor your progress and ensure you aren’t tempted to drink again, and they’ll prescribe medications to help curb cravings and ease any discomfort during the process.
Getting help for your addiction is the best way to stop using alcohol. It can give you the chance to lead a more fulfilling and healthy life.
