Drug Detox
Alcohol Detox
by Jonathan Huttner
Drug detox and alcohol detox are important first steps for those affected by alcohol and drug abuse.. And don't be fooled, thousands of people need alcohol detox and drug detox every day. In fact, in the United States alone, there are approximately 8.2 million people suffering from alcoholism and 3.5 million individuals dependant upon illicit drugs. Within that number, over one million are suffering from dependence to stimulants and 750,000 struggle with a heroin addiction. As staggering as these figures are, it's comforting to know that drug detox is available and can be extremely effective in the treatment of both drug and alcohol abuse.
The Goal of Alcohol Detox and Drug Detox
Alcohol detox, like drug detox, involves the removal of toxins from the body. During this initial detox process, withdrawal occurs. Withdrawal during drug detox or alcohol detox is the physiological and mental adjustment that accompanies the discontinuation of the use of the addictive substance. Unfortunately, during drug detox and alcohol detox, withdrawal symptoms may be present. Fortunately most alcohol and drug detox centers have a knowledgeable staff, capable of dispensing medications to manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Of course, the severity and nature of the symptoms that occur during detox vary, depending upon the particular drug and frequency of use. In addition, many drug users misuse more than one drug at a time and may even mix in alcohol, making the detox process more time consuming and in some cases, more difficult to manage.
A Guide to Alcohol and Drug Detox
If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol, immediate alcohol detox should be sought. Attempting to stop its use without supervision can be both painful and dangerous. An alcohol detox center is designed to help the individual with their withdrawal symptoms, which usually peak within 72 hours of the last intake of alcohol. During alcohol detox, if medications are utilized, symptoms may be easier to manage. Many alcohol detox facilities employ benzodiazepines, especially to those patients with delirium tremens. If delirium is not present, medication is usually not needed for more than seven days. Even with these medications in place, those undergoing alcohol detox may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Sleep problems
- Tremors
- Mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Eating disorders
- Hallucinations
The Alcohol Detox Process
The Alcohol detox process is largely determined by the facility in which you seek treatment. As a general rule, alcohol detox centers provide treatments that help the addicted individual avoid physical withdrawal symptoms. Many alcohol detox treatment centers incorporate counseling and therapy as part of the detox process in an effort to help with the psychological issues that an individual may experience.
The key to alcohol detox is the removal of alcohol residuals. Without this complete removal of alcohol from the system, strong cravings for alcohol may continue to persist. A vital step in a successful detox is the flushing out of all accumulated toxic residuals to eliminate the adverse effects associated with these cravings.
The alcohol detox process takes time and can be accomplished through the use of over-the-counter nutrients and supplements. Before taking any of these supplements, it is wise to consult with an ASAM-certified physician trained in addiction medicine.
Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the last 25 years.
