This article was contributed by Wish Recovery in Los Angeles.
Alcohol addiction is the most common form of substance abuse, afflicting an estimated 14.4 million American adults. Heavy or long-term alcohol use can lead to life-threatening diseases, and it affects productivity and relationships. If you are battling alcohol addiction, detoxing is the first step towards recovery. To avoid unwanted withdrawal symptoms during the detox, you must be monitored by personnel. Learn about alcohol detoxification, including medical supervision and life after detox.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol changes the balance of neurotransmitters that cause or prevent euphoria and relaxation. In its absence, your body still overproduces certain neurotransmitters and depresses others. It is this imbalance that causes symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nervousness, irritability, depression, fatigue or lethargy, shakiness and body tremors, mood swings, mental impairment, dilated pupils, insomnia, headaches, nausea and vomiting, night terrors, loss of appetite, paleness, and increased heart rate, among others.
The severity of symptoms depends on your drinking habits, and how suddenly you stopped. Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe withdrawal symptom that affects 3 to 5 percent of detoxing drinkers. DT can be fatal if not treated. Its symptoms include extreme agitation, confusion, fever, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures.
If you wish to detox from heavy alcohol usage, you need an alcohol detox program's safe environment. They can manage withdrawal symptoms to make your detox journey more comfortable.
The Importance of Medical Supervision during Alcohol Detox
Medical detox helps your body get rid of the harmful effects of alcohol in a controlled environment. A medical program gradually restores normal function while limiting the undesirable effects.
Alcohol rehabilitation programs usually include:
- Medication to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms
- Psychological and behavioral support for underlying causes like stress
- Physical exercise and nutritional support
- Supervision by a medical team in case of complications or emergencies
Alcohol detox programs are usually inpatient programs to allow for continuous medical support.
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
You need residential alcohol treatment if you have had many or severe detox symptoms. The level of care and management is tailored to your individual needs. The regimen considers your dependence, physical health, and other individual factors.
You will be admitted to a treatment center, and your progress will be monitored closely. This is to ensure that you detox safely and comfortably. Supplemental treatment programs may be recommended where necessary.
Why Medical Supervision for Alcohol Detox?
There are several reasons to choose inpatient detox with medical supervision, including:
- Medical care – Medics can manage the risks of alcohol detox. You need extra support if you have severe physiological and psychological dependence.
- Environment – A controlled environment can help manage triggers and cravings. This is critical to setting your life on the recovery path.
- Focus – The controlled environment allows patients to focus on treatment and recovery. It eliminates external influence and daily life stressors that may derail progress.
- Support – Concurrent therapy programs can address mental issues behind alcohol abuse.
What Happens After Medical Supervision for Alcohol Detox?
Detoxification is only the first step if you wish to recover from alcohol addiction. After detox, you should join a rehabilitation program to continue towards long-term sobriety. These programs deal with the root causes of alcohol abuse. You will learn how to prevent relapse when you face the same triggers or stressors that made you drink.
Alcohol Detoxification at Wish Recovery
At Wish Recovery, we believe in providing a safe environment for alcohol detox. We enroll our patients in ongoing counseling and support programs to support recovery. This puts you on the path to maintaining long-term sobriety.
Are you fighting alcohol detoxification for yourself or your loved one? Contact us today to find out how we can help you on your journey. Give yourself or your loved one another chance at a full and meaningful life.
