The first stage of the addiction treatment and recovery process
In the simplest of terms, alcohol detox (short for detoxification) is the first stage of an addiction treatment and recovery program. It is the process that enables the individual to start overcoming their addiction to alcohol by removing its toxins from their bodies and eventually ending their dependency on it. The detox stage is normally supervised by a medical professional with the sole intent of seeing the individual overcome their addiction and totally recover from it so they remain clean and sober for the rest of their life.
The withdrawal stage
One thing you want to be aware of right up front is that the alcohol detox stage is the most unpleasant one of the three that comprises the addiction treatment and recovery process. When the consumption of alcohol stops, withdrawal is inevitable. Depending on the amount of alcohol being consumed and the frequency of the consumption, the addiction can be very intense and extremely severe. To counter the below mentioned withdrawal symptoms, we provide medically supported detox programs unless the individual has specifically requested non-medical or natural detox program. In most cases, with medication, the symptoms of withdrawal are considerably reduced and help the individual get over the addiction.
As a result, you can expect to encounter any one of the withdrawal symptoms listed below or a combination of them:
- agitation and irritability
- anxiety and panic attacks
- chills and sweating
- erratic mood swings
- hallucinations
- hand tremors
- insomnia and restlessness
- nausea and vomiting
- possible grand mal seizures
- rapid heartbeat and pulse
Depending on your metabolism, the detox stage can last up to two weeks while the withdrawal symptoms normally peak within three to five days.
Understanding the importance of alcohol detox
Despite the unpleasantries that the individual is bound to experience during detoxification, this stage is critical to the addiction treatment and recovery process for several key reasons including the following:
- If there are toxins remaining in the person’s body, the cravings for alcohol will continue and will act as a roadblock during the recovery stage
- The individual will not be able to participate in any future treatment or the aftercare phase because detox prepares you for the recovery stage
When an individual is suffering with severe alcohol dependency, they may require medical attention during the detox stage.
If you or a loved one is suffering with alcoholism, Treatment 4 Alcohol can help you find an addiction treatment and recovery program that will address your personal needs so that you can overcome your alcohol dependency and successfully recover. You can contact us at the toll-free phone number above or by e-mailing us at http://www.treatment4alcohol.com.