Alcohol Detox

Alcohol is a powerful and destructive substance and when an individual becomes dependent or addicted to it they will need more and more of it to feel the same effects and then they start to feel the craving for a drink and subsequently experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not drink. In general the severity of alcohol detox symptoms is proportional to the duration of alcohol abuse and can be severe and dangerous. For those with a brief period of abuse and dependency, these symptoms though uncomfortable are manageable. However for people with a serious history of alcohol abuse the symptoms can be even fatal.

What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol is a brain depressant and works through GABA which is a neurotransmitter. Consumption of alcohol reduced the activity of this transmitter, and in order to compensate the brain becomes more sensitive to the small amounts that remain active. If the individual starts consuming alcohol regularly, the brain physically changes as a responsive mechanism. When the alcoholic stops consumption there is nothing inhibiting the neurotransmitter, and the brain having turned sensitive to its effects, a normal release of GABA excites or quickens activity in the brain causing many of the alcohol detox symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of alcohol detox include:

• Trembling of hands
• Body tremors
• Anxiety
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Delirium Tremens

Alcohol Detoxification – To Be Done Under Medical Supervision

When it comes to alcohol detox, do not try any of the “Do it yourself” methods. Especially when a person has been a drinking heavily or for a long time should not attempt detox all by them. The initial detox phase is the most dangerous and requires competent supervision. Under medical supervision alcoholics will be given small stabilizing doses medications that slow down the brain through the initial high risk period of detox. Also additional medications are used to alleviate the discomfort of alcohol detox.

Before Choosing An Alcohol Detox Program:

• Look for a detox center that has qualified staff which would be safe and effective, because quitting long-term daily drinking under inexperienced medical supervision may lead to potentially fatal health complications. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to dehydration and organ failure.
• Dedicated and experienced staff can handle seizures, convulsions, hallucinations and the brain damage of advanced delirium tremens effectively and competently.
• The right infrastructure is needed to support the alcohol detox procedures.
• The right detox programs come with after care programs that focus on avoiding relapse and achieving life-long sobriety.

By beginning with the right detox program you will successfully overcome alcohol addiction and recover your life and career.