Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox is the first step in the treatment and recovery process for alcoholism. No treatment program can be effective unless the addict is clean and sober, with no alcohol left in his/her system. However, detox can be a hard journey. Severe alcoholics may face serious withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, many experts recommend detox within an inpatient or residential treatment center.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Most treatment or rehabilitation programs begin with the alcoholic going through detox. Detoxification is a process by which the body rids itself of the substance to which it is addicted. It should stop the physical cravings for more alcohol.

Psychological addiction will be treated after detox has occurred. Not every alcoholic will experience withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification period, but a substantial number will. Some people may be qualified for an outpatient alcohol detox, but should be evaluated by a professional before beginning a program on their own. Many alcoholics require inpatient treatment for life-long, severe drinking problems.

Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, brain damage, and even some types of cancer. Overdose, or an accumulation of other physical problems, may eventually lead to death. However, a medically unsupervised detox may also lead to death. It is imperative that all persons trying to detox speak with a doctor before beginning a program. Alcohol detox may take anywhere from 3-14 days.

Withdrawal Symptoms in Detox

A person going through alcohol detox will experience many withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can appear 6-48 hours after ceasing alcohol consumption. Mild withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Shaking
• Perspiration
• Depression
• Bad dreams
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia

In cases of severe alcoholism, the withdrawal symptoms become more difficult to handle. These symptoms may include:

• Autonomic hyperactivity
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Delirium tremens—a condition in which mental and neurological changes cause confusion, disorientation, hyperactivity, hallucinations, and cardiovascular changes. Delirium tremens may become fatal.

Prescriptions

Prescription drugs can help with the symptoms of withdrawal during alcohol detox. Some of the medications doctors may prescribe are benzodiazepines, anti-seizure medications, anti-psychotic drugs, and beta-blockers.

Benzodiazepines are a central nervous system depressant. Some forms are used as anti-convulsants, while others are used to relax muscles and relieve anxiety. Many are used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Because they can be both physically and mentally habit-forming, they should be used only with medical supervision.

Anti-seizure medications and anti-psychotic drugs are often used during delirium tremens. They may help some of the symptoms, though restraints may need to be used on patients who seem capable of harming themselves or others.

Beta-blocking medications can be used to relieve the shaking or tremors an addict has during withdrawal. They can also slow the heart-rate.

Alcohol Detox Follow-Up

An alcohol detox program is not a cure. It needs to be followed up with enrollment in a treatment program, whether inpatient, outpatient, 12-step support, or individual counseling. Sometimes further medications are prescribed by licensed professionals. Ask your doctor or counselor for recommendations for treatment programs. You can also search the phonebook and Internet for programs that will fit your particular needs.

Alcohol detox is the first step to recovery. By not properly completing detox, an addict may not have a successful treatment. Speaking with professionals and concerned family and friends can help ease the transition to detox and rehabilitation.

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