Detoxification, also known as detox, is an essential first step in the recovery and treatment process for many alcoholics. While detox is generally required for all alcoholics, in some cases, it is just the first step in ongoing treatment. For those that do require detoxification, there are several methods that may be recommended by your doctor or professional treatment center. In some cases, depending on the severity of the abuse, you may even need to take medication while undergoing detoxification treatments. If you are planning on detoxing from alcohol, you should understand how the process works and what to expect before you begin.
The majority of detoxification procedures take place in an inpatient care facility, although in some cases, depending on the severity of the addiction, you may be advised to use IVs. Inpatient care is recommended for alcoholics with serious substance abuse problems, as is the most recommended alternative when it comes to detoxification. If you decide to detox at home, you should be sure to consult with your doctor about the appropriate dosage and duration for taking medications. In addition, you should always be under the supervision of a healthcare professional during your detoxification treatments, especially if you are taking prescription medications.
In order to ensure that you will have the best chance of successfully completing detoxification and returning to a healthy lifestyle, it may be necessary to undergo certain treatments in addition to taking detox. One of the most common treatments used to help individuals overcome their addictions is known as rapid detox. Rapid detox uses medicinal treatments like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to combat severe and long-term withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxification. Although rapid detox can be a great benefit to those who are undergoing detoxification, you should be sure to consult your doctor before starting any form of rapid detoxification.