Detoxification is the first step to recovery for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Medical detox programs help individuals through the uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms of AUD.

Typically, an individual will undergo detox at a rehab center with the help of doctors and nurses to monitor for health complications. These facilities also offer therapies like dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Scroll down to explore more about Alcohol Detox Center.

When someone with a substance abuse problem decides to quit drinking, their body will need time to get rid of the alcohol. The detoxification process, which is also referred to as withdrawal, can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous if the person uses a high dose of alcohol or experiences severe symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and delusions. Thankfully, there are many ways to safely and effectively get through the detoxification process with help from experts at an alcohol detox center.

The first step in alcohol detox is the intake exam, which includes taking a health and wellness history as well as checking vital signs. This helps the detox professionals determine which level of care is appropriate for each patient. Once this is established, the program can move forward with stabilization, which involves a combination of medication and supportive therapies to help ensure a safe and successful withdrawal from alcohol.

Medical detoxification is the first step in a long-term recovery treatment plan for alcohol or drug addiction. However, it is not a replacement for addiction treatment, as it only addresses the physical aspect of drug or alcohol use. People who go through detox must still undergo treatment to address the underlying problems that may have led to their addiction.

There are a number of different types of detox programs that can be followed, including outpatient and residential treatment. Outpatient detox programs often allow patients to live at home during the process, while inpatient detox centers are usually hospitals or rehabilitation facilities that offer around-the-clock monitoring and support. Most detox programs will include both medication and therapy. Some of the most common medications used in the detoxification process are benzodiazepines, which are drugs that act as sedatives, and antidepressants, which can reduce anxiety or depression.

Inpatient detox programs typically involve living at the rehab or detox center during the entire process, which can last a week or more. The goal of inpatient detox is to ensure the safety of the individual by providing round-the-clock supervision and monitoring of vital signs. Most inpatient detox programs will also incorporate some form of a therapeutic community, which allows people to connect with each other and share their experiences during recovery.

Detoxification Symptoms

Symptoms of detoxification can vary from person to person, but there are some common withdrawal symptoms. These include cravings, anxiety, irritability, changes in mood, and difficulty sleeping. Cravings can be triggered by environmental cues, memories of drug use, or stressors in people’s lives. The intensity of cravings can be a significant obstacle in completing detoxification. In some cases, they can be life-threatening if not managed appropriately and quickly.

During detox, some people will experience digestive problems like nausea or diarrhea. Others may have flu-like symptoms such as body aches and chills. Other physical symptoms that can occur during detoxification include sweating, which is a natural reaction by the body to remove toxic substances. Excessive sweating can be uncomfortable but it’s important to stay hydrated and wear breathable fabrics during this process.

Other detoxification symptoms include a feeling of general weakness and fatigue, as well as muscle soreness and trouble sleeping. Headaches are common, too, as the body adjusts to not having the drug in it. Changes in blood pressure and neurotransmitter levels can cause these headaches as the body seeks to restore balance.

In some cases, the detox process can lead to hallucinations and seizures. If these symptoms are severe, it’s essential to have a doctor nearby to monitor the situation and administer any necessary medication.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to quit alcohol “cold turkey” without medical assistance. In fact, trying to go through withdrawal alone can be dangerous. Instead, detoxification should be a part of an overall addiction treatment plan that includes counseling and therapy. This is especially true for individuals who have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. In these situations, detox should be followed by intensive inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment to prevent relapse. After detox is complete, it’s vital to build skills that will help you stay healthy and sober for the long term. For this reason, it’s best to seek professional help for detox from any substance abuse problem, including alcohol. Even if you only occasionally drink, it’s always recommended to seek medical help for detox before attempting it on your own.

Detoxification Medication

If you are addicted to alcohol, your body needs time to clear out all the chemicals from the alcohol. During the detoxification process, you will take medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety. A reputable alcohol detox center will provide you with the proper care that you need.

The medications used for the detoxification process will depend on the type of alcohol you consume and how long you have been consuming it. Some of the most common medications for alcohol withdrawal are benzos (benzocodiazepines) and anticonvulsants such as Keppra. These will help ease the anxiety, tremors and seizures that can occur with alcohol withdrawal. They will also help prevent the onset of hallucinations that can occur during alcohol withdrawal.

In addition to these medications, you will receive over-the-counter medications for nausea, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. These will be given to you at regular intervals while you are in the detox program. You may also be given naltrexone, which helps reduce alcohol cravings. This medication is taken in pill form or as an injection known as Vivitrol.

Your medical professional will monitor you throughout the entire detox process to make sure that you do not have any severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. You will have your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly. It is important to have a trained medical staff available around the clock to help you through detox.

After the initial stages of detox are complete, you will begin to feel better. However, it is important to remember that you still have an addiction. That is why it is vital to attend a reputable alcohol rehab program once you finish the detox process.

The goal of a rehab program is to teach you healthy coping skills and behaviors so that you can stop using drugs or alcohol in the future. Most reputable rehab programs combine detox and residential/inpatient rehab to give you the best chance of achieving lasting sobriety. In fact, studies show that people who undergo detox and then continue to attend alcohol rehab have a much higher rate of success in sobriety.

Detoxification Options

If you’re dealing with a moderate to severe alcohol dependence, it’s important to find an inpatient or residential detox program. The benefits of this type of treatment include constant medical care to manage complications, a safe and comfortable environment, and separation from alcohol-using peers. This also helps prevent relapse, as even mild withdrawal symptoms can be distressing and lead people to return to drinking.

The severity of your addiction will affect how long you will need to remain at the detox program. For example, if your alcohol use disorder (AUD) is mild, you may be able to complete the process in as little as 20 or 30 days. In contrast, if you’re dealing with a moderate to extreme dependence, the process of detoxing can last between two and three months.

During the detox process, your doctor will monitor your vital signs and other health issues to ensure that you’re healthy enough to enter the next phase of your treatment. They will also advise you about the best ways to cope with your withdrawal symptoms and recommend medications such as benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used to treat anxiety and seizures.

Most people who go through withdrawal from AUD experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Aside from evaluating your level of dependency, a reputable alcohol detox center will make sure that you’re medically stable before referring you to an addiction treatment program. This will involve a thorough evaluation to assess the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of your substance use disorder. A treatment plan will then be developed to help you understand and change the underlying causes of your addiction.

Many patients will need to attend both an inpatient or residential rehab program and an alcohol detox program as a part of their recovery process. Inpatient and residential rehab programs provide intensive addiction treatment in a controlled, substance-free environment for 30 to 90 days. An integrated treatment approach that includes both detox and rehabilitation is the best way to achieve long-term recovery. Medical detox and rehabilitation are essential components for overcoming addiction to alcohol or any other drug.