How does alcohol detox work?
When physical addiction or dependence on alcohol has been accurately diagnosed, it means that the individual’s body has become physiologically dependent upon alcohol. There will usually be a number of withdrawal symptoms that occur during the process of detox for alcoholics. The detox stage should never be attempted without the care, monitoring, and supervision of a licensed medical professional as the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely severe and even fatal in some instances.
A word about toxicity and eliminating it
Toxicity involves the presence of alcohol toxins and residues in a person’s system which are usually eliminated when an individual undergoes detox for alcoholics and abruptly stops drinking alcohol. In most cases, these toxins and residues can be eliminated through the digestive system and intestines, liver, lymph glands, and the urinary system. When a person’s drinking is chronic and heavy, their bodies become inundated with toxins, the process of eliminating them through normal means (see above) gets backed up or blocked.
When the person is no longer able to eliminate these toxins normally, it is necessary for them to undergo detox for alcoholics. As was mentioned in the opening paragraph above, it can be extremely risky to try an detox on your own. Even in medically supervised cases, the fatality rate during detox and withdrawal ranges from 5% to 15%. Take away the medical care, monitoring, and supervision and you could be looking a fatality rate of up to 35% or even higher.
The necessity of 24/7/365 care, monitoring, and supervision
In most instances, around-the-clock care, monitoring, and supervision of an individual who is undergoing detox for alcoholics is performed by a physician or other licensed medical professional. Certain medications such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines may be administered in order to relieve the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that typically occur. Benzodiazepines are the more commonly prescribed medications and include:
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- Valium (diazepam)
In most cases, minerals and vitamins such as B1 and B12 will be administered as well because of how alcohol depletes these. Folic acid and thiamine are crucial where proper nutrient and vitamin intake is concerned. If these supplements or vitamins not administered or given to the individual in time, there can be serious consequences such as brain damage or Wernicke Syndrome, an acute neurological condition that results from thiamine deficiency.
We are here to help you
If you or a loved one is suffering with alcohol addiction or dependency and you are searching for a detox for alcoholics program that effectively addresses your unique, personal needs. Treatment 4 Alcohol is an alcohol addiction and rehab referral service that lists the most effective programs throughout the US. If you would like more information about our programs and services, please contact us today at the toll-free phone number listed above.