From this article, you will learn why the detox procedure serves as a vital part of alcohol addiction treatment, how long it takes, what the possible results of detoxification are, and whether it may help patients to achieve complete recovery.
Ultimately, this article will show why alcohol detoxification is the necessary step that transforms former addicts into self-respecting members of society.
What is alcohol detox treatment?
Frequent consumption of alcohol is not only unhealthy, it can also lead to dependence on this toxic substance. Once that happens, individuals begin to lose control of their actions, as they become unable to manage the intake of alcohol. Although many individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction will never accept the fact that this substance is destroying their lives, people around them can recognize that this disease will only lead to even more suffering.
Alcohol addiction can be cured, but in order for the results to be permanent, the rehabilitation needs to be complete and address all of the possible issues that may occur in the future. Following a successful diagnostic, it becomes possible to start with the detox procedure.
The goal of alcohol detox treatment is to cleanse the body from all traces of toxic substances. Once that happens, the organism begins to rapidly recuperate, and the existing side effects of alcohol addiction begin to fade. The patients begin to notice that their strength is gradually returning and the existing pains and symptoms of discomfort disappear.
During the alcohol detox — in the hospital — patients receive vitamins, amino acids, hepatoprotective agents, and other vital substances through infusions and the use of proper medication. In this way, the organism receives all the nutrients necessary to speed up the recuperation and regeneration process. Most importantly, patients begin to feel much stronger, which gives them the motivation to stick to their decision to stop abusing alcohol forever.
Factors that make recovery more difficult
The amount of alcohol a person consumes on a daily basis, the strength of their body and other genetic factors determine how severe the negative alcohol detoxification symptoms will be.
As the nervous system of a person struggling with alcohol addiction is so used to the presence of this substance, when the intake of alcohol stops, the first signs of trouble begin to quickly show. In most cases, alcohol detoxification symptoms appear just 6 hours after the last intake. Individuals may experience high fever, irritability and anger, or in extreme cases, even develop seizures.
There are several factors that can increase the severity symptoms, including:
- Preexisting psychiatric condition
- Underlying depression
- Genetic factors
- High stress levels
- Imbalance of chemical in the brain
Finding a solution which will help the patients cope with the existing conditions presents an integral part of the treatment. Addiction can also serve as a trigger that causes many of these conditions. Through the use of psychotherapy, which includes both personal, as well as group and family sessions, patients find a way to deal with their illnesses and overcome the obstacles they encounter on a daily basis.
Besides the constant monitoring of therapy and medication, paying special attention to diet and rest is necessary. Attending to fluid intake —which helps alleviate stress level and provides an additional boost of energy — is also critical in order to take the problem of addiction once and for all.
How long does alcohol withdrawal take?
When the nervous system is in a state of chaos and hormonal imbalance, the reaction to sudden changes can be pronounced. Frequent drinkers gradually get used to the presence of alcohol in their system. When this substance is absent, the nervous system may react abruptly, causing strong reactions that are interpreted as side effects. This can include anxiety, nausea, seizures, and many more.
Depending on the amount of alcohol a person was drinking on a daily basis, the withdrawal effects can be more or less pronounced. Furthermore, the duration of recovery also varies from one case to another.
The withdrawal symptoms begin to appear 6 hours after the last intake of alcohol, and are felt the most during the following 72 hours. This is the critical time where most individuals succumb to their cravings and get back to drinking.
However, those who manage to get through this period begin to notice that the situation starts to change for the better. The desire for alcohol, as well as the negative symptoms, slowly begin to disappear. Still, the symptoms never fully vanish, as the source of the problem—the underlying dependence on alcohol—remains unchanged. It is only a matter of time before the dependence takes control over the person’s thoughts and actions once again.
Fortunately, modern medicine can alleviate most of the negative symptoms caused by alcohol dependence through careful use of medication, psychotherapy, and medical devices. Not only that, but after a successful alcohol detox in the hospital, individuals begin to develop repulsiveness to alcohol, as they connect it with all the bad memories it previously created.
7-Day procedure for alcohol dependence
Our program for detoxification of alcohol takes all the latest medical procedures and combines them during the treatment period to completely remove traces of alcohol from the body, speed up the regeneration process, and ensure future success.
Our team of experts monitors the implementation of the treatment of alcohol addiction, while simultaneously maintaining a positive attitude that motivates the patients to make the necessary changes which lead toward a healthy lifestyle.
10-Day procedure for alcohol dependence
In our 10-day alcohol addiction treatment program, we also follow all the methods established at the Dr. Vorobjev Clinic. Compared to the above mentioned program, this longer version allows the patients to have additional time during which they gather the strength and composure to return home. They also gain a strong dedication and reluctance to go down the same road that has caused all the problems in the first place.
Possible alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Most of the time, the withdrawal symptoms are not as noticeable as with some other psychoactive substances. Still, the possibility of sudden complications always exists, which is why performing the rehabilitation at a medical facility is best. This way, even if the patients run into any medical difficulties during alcohol detoxification treatment, trained staff will always be present to alleviate all possible side effects.
When the detox is performed at home, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Hallucinations
- Changes in behavior
- Liver damage
- Seizures
- Paranoia
- Problems with coordination
- Sexual dysfunction
The symptoms mentioned present only some of the issues that an individual may encounter during the process of alcohol detoxification. That is why we always stress the importance of a complete alcohol addiction inpatient treatment.
How to prevent relapse after detox is complete?
Curing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is only one part of the treatment. Only once the patients start to feel relaxed while sober and stop having the urge to consume alcohol do we move on to the next phase.
This phase includes the creation of a negative perception towards alcohol, which can be done through psycho-stabilization. Removing mental tension can be done with different methods of therapy, such as Transair, N.E.T., and psychotherapy. Ultimately, aversive therapy is performed to generate a negative attitude which will minimize the possibility of relapse. Upon completion of our treatment, just the smell of alcohol is enough to cause the repulsive reflex.
Additionally, we also suggest implementing a pharmacological blockade prior to leaving the clinic. Patients receive substances that completely erase the negative effects of alcohol. Even if the individuals succumb to their previous vices and start consuming alcoholic beverages again, all psychoactive effects will be blocked. This will give them the strength and will to stick with rehab and stay “clean”.
After all procedures are complete, outpatient support continues for an entire following year — this is important. It includes regular monthly checkups where all the vital parameters are closely monitored. If necessary, we adjust the therapy to alleviate any physical and psychological problems the patients might be facing. For those individuals who are not able to be physically present in our facilities, we also provide online counseling, just to make sure that they are on the right track leading to complete recovery.
During this anti-relapse stage, under the supervision of specialists, the patients make the necessary changes to their lifestyle in order to continue with the recovery process.
With our painless alcohol detoxification method, the side effects generally associated with alcohol withdrawal completely disappear. The hormonal balance and brain chemistry return to normal, making it possible for all the other treatments to take place. Our mission is to completely remove the desire for alcohol consumption. This is the only chance for long term results. Here, the patients begin to feel repulsion towards this substance, as they become completely aware of the risks that come with drinking.
How can you get rid of alcohol addiction and avoid relapse once and for all?
If you, or anyone close to you is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that it is never too late to get back to the healthy life you deserve. Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward solving the issues that are preventing you from achieving all of your goals. The consultations with our psychotherapists are completely free, and their purpose is to explain the steps that are necessary to start treatment.
Alcohol detoxification brings physical benefits to the person and also contributes to achieving psychological stability for people who want to take control of their life.
