Alcohol Detox – Symptoms and Treatments

Alcohol detoxification is the preliminary step to a more extensive treatment program after alcohol abuse. It is undertaken by alcoholics who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol. The process should be done under the supervision of a qualified professional like a physician or a psychiatrist. Alcohol detoxification can be safely carried out in both inpatient and outpatient settings, but usually round-the-clock medical monitoring is required for heavy alcohol users. This article aims at providing an idea of the treatment methods followed by alcoholics in the alcohol detoxification program.

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When you start drinking alcohol you will experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating and trembling, which are generally associated with severe withdrawal symptoms following the use of opiate drugs. These symptoms can intensify when you drink alcohol, especially late at night. In order to minimize the intensity of alcohol detoxification symptoms, it is advisable to minimize alcohol consumption early in the treatment process and slowly progress to cessation of alcohol consumption. Some of the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include sweating, trembling, anxiety, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating.

If you observe any of these symptoms, you need to report immediately to the nearest emergency room. The medical response to alcohol detoxification includes intravenous or oral hydration, which enables quick restoration of hydration to the body; maintenance of adequate food intake as well as proper nutrition, which help prevent alcohol poisoning and minimizing the likelihood of relapse. In most cases, patients who experience withdrawal symptoms and have no access to nearby emergency rooms have been successfully treated with non-pharmacological therapies, which include counseling and group therapy.

For milder forms of alcohol detoxification outpatient treatment may be sufficient. Treatment in an inpatient setting is usually more effective because the patient has a support network consisting of medical staff and other people who are familiar with his/her condition. Treatment duration varies according to the severity of your condition and the length of time you plan to take treatment. Most treatment programs last six to twelve weeks. Family and friends should be notified of your treatment so they can be prepared to help during this period. Information about local resources for alcohol detoxification are often provided by the treatment center staff.

The duration of alcohol detoxification also depends on your medical professionals. Hospitalization may be needed for severely depressed individuals who may not be able to withstand alcohol withdrawal treatments alone. You can find out in your doctor what the recommended length of stay in the hospital for alcohol detoxification will be. In some instances hospitalization can occur for only a day or two; however, it is important to know that extended periods of hospitalization can cause further health problems or even permanent disabilities. It is important to remember that alcohol detoxification is often a necessary part of treatment.

Treatment should include education and support in order to prevent relapse. This education and support should involve both you and your family and friends. This education should focus on the warning signs and symptoms of alcohol dependency, as well as the ways to reduce and stop alcohol intake. If you think you may need alcohol detoxification, talk to your doctor or an addiction specialist. They can provide support and education about alcohol abuse and alcoholism. You can also research centers that offer alcohol rehab services near you.