Alcohol detoxification (or alcohol detox) is defined as the process that occurs in the body to rid the system of toxins and was products from long-term alcohol use. In most cases, alcohol detoxification is accompanied by medical observation, counseling, and medication. Detoxification can be also defined as the part of medical treatment that includes counseling that helps a patient to overcome their physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
Alcohol detox can be performed at both outpatient and inpatient facilities and is usually recommended for heavy users. Usually, the detoxification program consists of three steps:
- Intake. Medical professionals thoroughly evaluate and examine the drug, psychiatric, and medical history of a patient in order to be able to fully understand their situation.
- Administration of medicaments. Most medicaments used in detoxification programs mimic the effects of alcohol, which helps mitigate the withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience.
- Stabilization step. At this stage, a patient undergoes certain psychological and medical therapies, the purpose of which is to help the patient to achieve the balance and harmony of body and mind
Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is also characterized by a number of withdrawal symptoms that may range from mild to life-threatening. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on the longevity and severity of the alcohol disorder. For example, those people who have been drinking for many years are more likely to have serious withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens and seizures.
The most common symptoms of alcohol detox include the following:
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Nausea
There might be more serious symptoms, including:
- Delirium tremens (in very rare cases)
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Disorientation
Delirium tremens is probably the most serious symptom of alcohol detox. It is a life-threatening condition, but only about 5% of drinkers will have this symptom after quitting drinking.
Due to the withdrawal symptoms described above, alcohol detox should be monitored by an experienced professional, especially if a patient has a history of heart and lung diseases, or any other diseases and medical condition that make the symptoms of alcohol detox worse.
How To Choose an Alcohol Detox Program?
First, you need to start with a list of your own needs. For example, if there is any specific mental or medical condition that a person suffers from, your detox program should include services for that. Then, a patient needs to look at quality and cost. Ideally, they should find an affordable program with trained and licensed staff and a high success rate. They should also find out whether alcohol detox is covered by their insurance or not. Usually, insurance companies cover some services, but patients also may have to pay something out of pocket.
How Does Life After Detox Look Like?
Alcohol detoxification is only the first step of treatment for individuals trying to combat their alcohol disorders. Alcohol detox does not treat alcoholism. However, it will help to clear the body and will heal the mind, so people suffering from alcohol addiction can move to the next stage of their treatment.
There are numerous alcohol detox programs across the United States. For those who are looking for a detox program in Texas, VSM Detox Austin is ready to help. Austin Detox Center provides confidential, comprehensive, and individualized treatment plans.
