Alcohol Detox: The Do's and Don'ts to Tackling Alcohol Dependence

If you or someone you love suffers from alcoholism, it is important to understand what happens in an alcoholic’s body during alcohol detox. While there are many myths surrounding this topic, we will discuss all aspects of the process so you know exactly where your loved one stands before they begin their journey toward recovery.

What Is an Alcoholic?

The term “alcoholism” refers to an addiction disorder characterised by drinking behaviour that results in negative physical and emotional consequences for the individual. It also affects significant others who may be affected by the person’s drinking habits. There are different types of alcoholism, including social, chemical, and behavioural; however, only the first two categories of alcoholism have been scientifically proven as being addictive.

In order to determine if someone has a problem with alcohol, it is necessary to look at certain signs and behaviours that indicate the need for treatment. These include changes in mood, sleep patterns, eating habits, relationships, work performance, and more. Some people experience these signs and behaviours long before they develop alcohol dependence. However, not everyone with these traits experiences them as part of a larger pattern of problems caused by substance abuse.

When consumed regularly over time, alcohol has direct toxic effects on the brain and nervous system. This means that it affects the normal functioning of the brain in ways that ultimately lead to dependence. Once the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol, it begins producing its own chemicals that perpetuate continued consumption of the substance.

It is estimated that almost 20 million people worldwide struggle with alcohol use disorders (AUD). AUD refers to any pattern of excessive alcohol intake, regardless of whether it causes physical health problems or not. However, if you consume too much alcohol for long periods of time and the result is a worsening of your mental health, then it is considered an addiction.

In addition to the physical effects of chronic heavy drinking, such as liver damage and increased risk of heart disease, there are also psychological symptoms related to alcoholism. These include depression, anxiety, memory loss, suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. When these problems occur alongside other mental health issues, the individual is more likely to suffer from severe mental illness.

An alcoholic is defined as someone who drinks excessively, often causing harm to themselves or others. In order to qualify as an alcoholic, the person must meet five criteria:

• They drink alcohol to excess

• Their drinking causes serious problems in their life

• They cannot stop drinking without experiencing unpleasant side effects

• They feel guilty about their drinking

• They believe that they are powerless against alcohol

Treatment for Alcoholism

As alcoholism is a serious condition that involves all aspects of our lives and health, including mental health, emotional stability, functions of the brain, neurological links, and also our relationships, it demands holistic treatment.

Alcohol detoxification is one of the most important steps towards recovery from alcoholism. During this process, patients undergo medical evaluation and assessment so that they receive proper care and medication. Detoxing from alcohol is usually carried out in a hospital setting where patients are monitored closely during the entire duration of the procedure. Patients are required to stay in the facility until they have been freed from the harmful substances present in their bodies.

Detoxing from alcohol within a private rehab centre is a good start to the addiction treatment process as inpatient detoxification at a high-quality addiction centre guarantees 24/7 supervision by a medical team, as well as a safe environment. However, it is not enough to tackle addiction. In addition, you will need to look for rehabilitation options and therapy, as well as ongoing recovery services, aftercare and attend support groups. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Detoxification Process

During the process of alcohol detoxification, patients are given medications to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Medical professionals may administer drugs like benzodiazepines to manage symptoms of anxiety and sedation, while opiates may be used to treat pain and nausea. Other medications are administered to regulate blood pressure and reduce tremors.

While undergoing detoxification, patients will face various withdrawal symptoms which vary according to the amount and type of alcohol consumed prior to admission. Symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and delirium. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to coma, convulsions, and death.

The severity of alcohol withdrawal depends on how long ago the last dose was taken. A patient’s tolerance level may also affect the intensity of withdrawal symptoms experienced. Additionally, the number of drinks consumed per day also plays a role in the severity of withdrawals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, detoxing from alcohol requires around three to four weeks.

Withdrawal symptoms may become even worse after several years of regular consumption of alcohol. This is due to the fact that the body has built up a tolerance to alcohol over time. As a result, the amount of alcohol needed to cause intoxication increases.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome is an umbrella term that covers a variety of conditions that arise following abrupt cessation or reduction of intake of alcohol. These symptoms usually occur within 48 hours of stopping the use of alcohol. However, they have been known to develop much later than this period. In severe cases, an alcohol withdrawal syndrome may manifest itself up to six months after abstinence.

The primary symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is physical discomfort caused by changes in brain chemistry. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, sweating, chills, insomnia, disorientation, anxiety, muscle pains, and vomiting. Some people experience more severe symptoms than others. For example, alcoholics who consume large amounts of alcohol regularly experience more intense withdrawal periods.

This is one of the many reasons why seeking help for alcoholism is vital. Trying to detox alone or outpatiently means that you will not be able to reach out to a specialist 24/7. With the possibility of acute withdrawals, the risk is too big.

Confidentiality is a key aspect of private addiction services, which means that without your approval, no one would know you have been to treatment - not your boss, your parents or your partner. In addiction treatment, healing is the focus. While you heal, the in-house therapists, medical doctors and addiction experts will work with you to find the underlying causes of your addiction and replace harmful coping mechanisms with more positive, healthy ones.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes