Alcohol Detox is the process by which a person reduces or stops drinking alcohol. When someone significantly decreases or stops their consumption of alcohol, they often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate the alcohol detox process. This includes consuming healthy foods and drinking enough water to help the body flush out the toxins from alcohol.
Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal is a difficult, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous time in your recovery. The symptoms can last days or weeks, and some people even experience protracted alcohol withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Withdrawal occurs because your body has become physically dependent on the substance. Drinking alcohol depresses your central nervous system and changes how your brain produces neurotransmitters, especially GABA (a hormone that makes you calm and euphoric) and glutamate (a neurotransmitter that makes you excited).
Withdrawal usually starts within 12 hours after a person stops drinking. The longer a drinker has been drinking, the more serious the symptoms will be when they stop.
Treatment
Alcohol detox is one of the most important steps in overcoming alcohol addiction. It involves physical and mental health treatments to help you overcome your dependence on alcohol and learn how to live a sober life.
A medically supervised detox is the safest and most comfortable way to get rid of alcohol from your system. This is because it allows health care professionals to monitor your condition and treat you if complications arise.
During the treatment process, you will be given medications to reduce your withdrawal symptoms, such as benzodiazepines, which calm your body and ease your discomfort. You may also receive anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures that can occur during withdrawal (Sellers and Naranjo 1986).
A residential alcohol treatment program combines around-the-clock care with intensive therapy and group sessions to help you cope with your alcohol addiction and learn how to manage stress and maintain sobriety. Afterwards, you can attend outpatient treatment and participate in support groups to continue your recovery.
Prevention
Alcohol withdrawal is a serious medical problem. Anyone who is having severe symptoms of withdrawal, such as seizures, hallucinations or prolonged vomiting needs immediate medical treatment.
People who are recovering from alcohol addiction often need to learn new skills and change behavior patterns that contribute to their alcohol abuse. They may also need to develop a support system with family members, friends and social situations that don't involve alcohol.
For many, a professional detox is the best option for safe, effective withdrawal. A treatment specialist monitors blood pressure and heart rate and uses medications to minimize symptoms.
Naltrexone, which is available in pill and injectable forms, helps to reduce cravings during detox. It also reduces the risk of relapse, which can be common during this time.
Recovery
Alcohol detox is one of the most important steps in alcohol use disorder recovery. Without it, a person cannot begin the journey of rebuilding their lives free from addiction.
When someone with an alcohol dependency stops drinking, they experience withdrawal symptoms. These can vary in severity and are often life-threatening.
In severe cases, medically-supervised detox may be required. This can help reduce the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and minimize the risk of complications or death.
Once the physical aspects of detox are complete, the individual can begin to address behavioural and social issues that accompany alcohol addiction. This can include counselling, group and individual therapy, and other helpful techniques.
During this stage, individuals should continue to get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet. They can also engage in meditation to keep their mind calm and focused on healing. This will help them stay strong and focus on their goals in the long run.
