Alcohol problems are becoming increasingly common. Many people developed alcohol use disorders during the pandemic, since they used it to cope with depression and loneliness. The proportion of the population abusing alcohol increased by around 21% during that period.
Unfortunately, the problem has not gotten better since. An estimated 95,000 people die from alcohol related deaths each year.
The good news is that it is possible to recover from alcohol or other substance abuse disorders. However, this requires working with trained addiction treatment specialists.
Part of the recovery process is going to involve detox. Alcohol detox can be very effective for helping alcoholics fight their addiction, but it can also be dangerous if it is not done properly.
Alcohol detox should always be done under medical supervision. The American Association For Addiction Medecine provides a guideline for clinical quality controls to help during the detox process.
Physical Dependence On Alcohol
When an individual is addicted to alcohol, their body becomes dependent on the substance, and when they stop drinking, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include tremors, hallucinations, seizures, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, severe withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. If you are not sure how to alcohol detox, then it might be best to consult a doctor or speak with a licensed treatment provider.
The Goal Of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol rehabilitation programs are highly effective for treating addiction. One of the main reasons is that they use alcohol detox as part of their treatment program. When clients detox properly, they will eventually stop feeling the physical symptoms of addiction and will have an easier time recovering.
Different Strokes For Different Folks
It’s important to note that detox is not a one-size-fits-all process, and a personalized detox plan should be developed by a medical professional based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. The duration of the detox process can vary, but typically ranges from several days to a week or more.
Starting The Recovery Process After Detox
After the detox process is complete, individuals will usually begin the next step in their recovery, which may involve inpatient or outpatient rehab, counseling, or other forms of therapy. It’s also important to address any underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, as these can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction.
Therefore, it is a good idea to find clinicians that specialize in treating other mental health problems. They can help you deal with the challenges of everyday life before they drive you to addiction. They can arguably be even more helpful than an AA group after you have finished detoxing and completed your rehabilitation program.
Final Thoughts On Alcohol Detox
In conclusion, alcohol detox is an important first step in the treatment of alcohol addiction and should always be done under medical supervision. The goal of detox is to help individuals become physically and mentally stable, so they can begin to address the underlying issues that led to their addiction. Following detox, it’s important to continue with follow-up care and treatment to support a successful recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
- The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/alcohol-withdrawal-management-guideline
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – https://www.nami.org/FAQ/Mental-Health-Medication-FAQ/Can-I-drink-alcohol-while-taking-antidepressants
- The Ridge Ohio – https://theridgeohio.com/alcohol-abuse/detox/
You will want to use their resources to your advantage, so you can overcome the symptoms of addiction more easily. Make sure that you use the right alcohol detox experts to help you.