Alcohol Detoxification

Most treatments for alcoholism will begin with a period of detoxification. A detoxification process is necessary to help break a physical chemical addiction and it will require a total abstinence from alcohol to clear alcohol residuals from the body. When alcohol residuals linger in the body, cravings will persist. Recovery from alcohol addiction will be especially difficult to achieve until these alcohol residuals are no longer physically present in the body. When the body is completely detoxified from alcohol, therapeutic treatment can begin.

Detoxification periods should always be accompanied by support sessions from friends, family and most importantly, trained medical professionals. Some severe detoxification periods can put a person's life at risk, and they should always take place at a clinic, hospital, or rehab center.

Take extreme caution with any products that propose to help you to detoxify from alcohol on your own. There are many of these products on the market and almost none of these products have been clinically tested to government standards. You should absolutely make sure you talk to a doctor about any detoxification product before you try it.

During a detoxification period, the patient will experience physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that will vary depending on the person and the severity of the addiction. Every alcohol detoxification program can be tailored to the unique needs of the individual, but in each case the individual will experience some difficult symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: physical agitation, increased pulse rate, sweating, hand tremors, insomnia, nausea or vomiting, depression, anxiety, hearing voices (auditory hallucinations), and even the possibility of seizures (although seizures are now considered a rare case if patients are receiving proper medical care). As you can see, these withdrawal symptoms are severe, but they will vary depending on the patient's degree of addiction, and the quality of care received.

As symptoms can be so severe, alcohol detoxification should always be done under authorized supervision. Professionals have many tools to assist and ease this difficult detoxification process. Some of the most severe symptoms of withdrawal can sometimes be eased by a variety of medications. Certain sedatives, benzodiazenines, and anticonvulsant medications are some of the more common prescriptions used during a detoxification period. These will not alleviate all the symptoms, but they may help prevent seizures and help calm people down enough to get some sleep.

Drug-free methods to assist in detoxification also exist. These methods include using natural supplements to help the body rebound from the depressing effects of alcohol, and using acupuncture as means help alleviate some of the physical symptoms. Some of the natural products with positive effects include vitamin supplements that speed recovery time. Acupuncture has been known to help with tremors, headaches and nausea. Again, make sure that you only use natural supplements or alternative medication under the supervision of your doctor.

The time necessary for a complete alcohol detoxification typically runs anywhere from 3 to 14 days. Support of family and friends over this period will be a critical first step to recovery. Finding a doctor to help you with the detoxification process is as easy as calling your local Alcoholics Anonymous, or local rehabilitation clinic.

Your Popup Blocker Must Be Off