Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol detoxification is a process often necessary when a person has been consuming alcohol for long periods of time.  In order to live sober, ever alcoholic must endure a detox period. Alcohol detoxification can be uncomfortable, and alcoholics can often be plagued by withdrawal symptoms (LINK).  It is strongly recommended that detox be done under the direct supervision of an alcohol treatment facility or sober living home (link). To learn more about treatment options, please fill out the contact form to the left for more information.

The most important reason that alcohol detoxification must be supervised by a professional is that withdrawal can be fatal.  Alcoholics become so habituated to the presence of alcohol in the system that when it is removed, the body can react strongly.  Feelings of nausea and even convulsions may occur.  At a treatment facility or sober living home, a great emphasis is placed on withdrawal management during detoxification.

Goal of Alcohol Detox

The goal of alcohol detox is to achieve a life completely free of alcohol abuse. The objective of detox is to alleviate the physical symptoms of withdrawal. 

Once the detoxification process is complete, the process of psychological rehabilitation begins.  This may include, AA meetings, therapy, 1 on 1 meetings.  Often times, addictive behavior begins for one reason, but continues for many others.  For example, alcohol can initially be used as a social lubricant, but eventually transition into a stress reliever or a distraction from life problems.  Using alcohol to avoid problems usually worsens issues, whether they be legal, work related, or relationships.  Without the alcohol detoxification, this true healing cannot begin.

Symptoms of Alcohol Detox

Mild reactions to alcohol detoxification include:

• Tremors
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Perspiration
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia

Severe effects of alcohol detox include:

• Delirium Tremors (DT’s)
• Autonomic Hyperactivity
• Convulsions

How long is Alcohol Detoxification?
Typically alcohol detoxification lasts between three and 15 days with greatly varying symptoms.

Do any medications help alcohol detox?
Not for reducing the need for alcohol.  Unfortunately, during alcohol detox, this must be done the hard way.  However, anticovulsant medications like benzdiazepines can be used to prevent fatalities from serious withdrawal symptoms

See Related Articles:
Alcohol Detoxification
About Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Ten Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Sober Living Homes
Effects of Alcoholism