Alcohol Detox Center - The First Step to Overcoming Alcoholism
Detox can help regardless of whether you've been struggling with addiction for a long time or just recently begun. It's a first step in overcoming alcoholism.
The detox process typically includes medicine to ease withdrawal symptoms, like benzodiazepines. These drugs relax GABA receptors in the brain to calm your mind and prevent seizures.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
When someone suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) ceases drinking they feel withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be stressful and dangerous and could lead to serious health complications. People who have an addiction to alcohol that is severe must undergo detox to cleanse their bodies of the chemical.
The first step is to detoxify in the recovery process from alcoholism. During this time your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as well as other symptoms. You'll also be given medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and to prevent any medical emergencies. Most of the time, this medication is a type of benzodiazepine like diazepam or chlordiazepoxide.
After you've completed your detox, it's important to continue your treatment. The aim of a rehab program is to identify any underlying causes for your addiction and teach you how to manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient programs provide an immersive setting in which you can receive assistance from other patients. However, outpatient programs permit you to manage your obligations and maintain a better work-life balance.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6-12 hours of your last drink. The symptoms may begin mildly and increase in intensity over the following 24 hours period. During this time, you'll experience increased anxiety, shaking and nausea. Some people may even experience a fever which can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
By day two, you should be feeling more relaxed. But, you may be experiencing some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms, including hand shakes and confusion. These symptoms will likely diminish at the end of the week but they may reappear throughout your time of sobriety.
During this stage, your healthcare provider will likely give you long-acting benzodiazepines that will help manage your withdrawal symptoms and ensure you are as comfortable as is possible. The drugs will relax your muscles, decrease the desire to drink alcohol and lessen the signs of withdrawal. The medications are generally prescribed as Valium and Librium, and can be taken for up to three days if needed. You must have these medications on hand when you stop drinking.
Medical Care
When a person suffering from alcohol dependence (AUD) is unable to drink, withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms are uncomfortable and, if they become severe they can be dangerous. Because of this, it is crucial to receive detox and rehab care in a controlled setting.
To ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, medications are used. The most commonly used medications are benzodiazepines, which act in the brain to mimic the way alcohol affects GABA receptors. This eases the pain of withdrawal and reduces the risk of seizures. Antipsychotics can also be used to control psychotic symptoms, such as hearing and seeing things which aren't really present. Examples of these drugs are olanzapine, Risperdal, and Seroquel.
Medical detox is the initial step in addiction recovery. It is important to do this in a monitored medical setting, since it could be dangerous without medical attention. The process can last for up to four days and be difficult. People who experience delirium-tremens or the most severe form of withdrawal from alcohol, may need to be hospitalized.
Medical detoxification inpatient is the best option for overcoming alcohol dependence. Residential treatment facilities provide 24/7 support and can tackle a variety of addiction-related problems. Inpatient facilities also offer support groups and counseling to assist people in identifying the root cause of their addiction. This can be more helpful than merely treating the symptoms of addiction and can result in long-term recovery.
Outpatient medical detox is a less intensive alternative for those who reside at home or work from home. This type of detox involves regular visits to a facility for detox sessions, which typically last a couple of hours per day.
In general, detox for outpatients has a lower rate of success than detoxing inpatient. Outpatients tend to skip detox sessions or be relapsed after their program is complete. The studies conducted haven't found that one method of detox is superior to one in regards to long-term treatment outcomes. Outpatient detox is a feasible option to help people recover from alcohol dependence.
Counseling
Alcohol detox centers also offer counseling to help you cope with the physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol. The type of counseling you receive will be based on your personal needs. A counselor may ask questions about your relationship to alcohol and what makes you drink. This information will be used to develop a treatment plan that will help you remain sober after you have completed your detoxification from alcohol.
Many people struggling with addiction can benefit from sessions of therapy that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you how to recognize and modify negative behaviors. CBT will help you learn to curb your urges to drink alcohol by replacing them with healthier and more productive behaviors. CBT also incorporates mindfulness, a method that can help you reduce stress and focus on the present.
Other kinds of therapy that are included in a detox program for alcohol are family therapy and group therapy. These therapies can help you build an effective community of support that can help you overcome alcohol addiction. Additionally, they can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms as well as other issues that could occur during your detox.
If you suffer from a severe or chronic addiction to alcohol, it is important to understand the process of detox and rehabilitation to ensure you select the right program for you. The best option for you may be a residential rehab program, which typically runs for 1-3 months, or outpatient treatment, which allows you to stay in your home while you receive treatment.
Outpatient detoxification from alcohol is a safe and effective treatment option for the majority of individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. alcohol detox home is advised for those at risk of suffering life-threatening withdrawal symptoms caused by alcohol or have suffered serious medical problems as a result of long-term drinking.
If you're considering an outpatient or inpatient detoxification from alcohol, it is important to answer all of the questions asked on your application in a truthful manner. The more information that you can provide, the more tailored your treatment will be. This will ensure you get the best results and prevent you from getting back to the same place.
Support
Alcoholism is a complicated problem that requires expert assistance. A detox center can assist you in overcoming your alcohol dependency and the mental and physical complications that go along with it. You'll likely have access to medical support services, counseling, life skills training, and alumni and family support groups.
The staff at an alcohol detox facility can provide you with information on other resources that are available in your local area to assist in your recovery and treatment for addiction. This is especially helpful when you have co-occurring disorders like mental health conditions or a history of depression. The staff will go over your alcohol and drug usage history to determine the best method to meet your requirements. This is an essential part of the process that shouldn't be overlooked and must be addressed honestly. The more precise your data, the more effective treatment you'll receive.
After you've completed detox, your next step is to sign up in an residential treatment program. This can be done on-site in a rehab center or in an alternative drug-free setting like a sober-living home. In this kind of program, you will live in a clean and sober setting for 30 to 90 days or more. You will receive counseling and be taught about the principles of recovery, which include dealing with triggers that might cause an relapse.
Some facilities offer group sessions where you can talk about your addiction with other people who are experiencing similar issues. Some facilities provide individual counseling with a psychiatrist or therapist. Others offer family counseling, in which you and your family members can discuss your addiction with each other. Online therapy services allow you to connect with an therapist at any time and from any location. You can continue receiving support for your recovery even after you leave the detox center.