Alcohol detox is the process of ridding alcohol from your body in order to break a cycle of alcohol dependency. It is an important step in treating alcohol addiction, as it allows the body to begin adjusting to life without alcohol.
We will talk about the three main stages of alcohol detox: alcohol abstinence, alcohol withdrawal, and alcohol recovery. Harmony Grove Recovery carefully guides you through the process. A life without alcohol can and will happen when you have an understanding of what you are going through.
Alcohol Detox First Stage is Alcohol Abstinence
During alcohol abstinence, you stop drinking and refrain from consuming any alcohol-related substances. This can be done safely with medical guidance or support. This is the beginning of the circle many go through time and time again. There may be moments of clarity and the will to stop drinking.
While this is a necessary step in the alcohol detox process, it is a tricky one. It is here that the individual will tell family and friends that they are ready to stop drinking. that they want a better life without drinking controlling them. Many times, relationships with family and friends have been destroyed. The loved ones no longer believe the individual. This puts them in a state of hopelessness. However, there is hope, and we can help.
Our Alcohol Detox San Diego Centers Staff Explains
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Harmony Grove Recovery alcohol detox San Diego staff sees how powerful alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be. They know this starts when the effects of alcohol start to wear off. Symptoms associated with this phase include some or all of the following.
Our medical professionals will give individuals medications such as benzodiazepines to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and help manage cravings.
Medications Used During Alcohol Detox
Our medically supervised alcohol detox in San Diego has the experience to deal with any situation during the detoxification process. Patients with more severe withdrawal symptoms may be prescribed medicines to reduce the risk of dangerous complications like seizures and DTs. Of these treatments, benzodiazepines have been found to provide optimal efficacy and safety for treating such conditions.
While initially developed separately, alcohol and benzodiazepines share a similar effect on brain functions through enhancement of neurotransmitter GABA activity, creating cross-tolerance between them that allows one agent (e.g., a benzo) to be an effective substitute during times when another is lacking in availability or access (i.e., no longer available alcoholic substances).
Alcohol Detox San Diego centers use medication assisted treatment. Benzodiazepines are a pharmacologic treatment used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms that are cross tolerant with alcohol. These can be used for medication-assisted treatment during the detoxification process. Benzos are safe and used for treating and preventing seizures and delirium.
Benzodiazepines Used with Alcohol Detox
HGR alcohol detox San Diego staff knows how to use benzos during detox. This is why you should always have a medically supervised detoxification process. Diazepam or Valium as its known and chlordiazepoxide or Librium have a long half life making them effective with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, there are intermediate acting medications like the following.
These can be applied for individuals who have difficulties in metabolizing medications. For instance, with elder clients and individuals with liver failure. Ativan is a benzo that is used when predictable intramuscular absorption is needed.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a more intense form of alcohol withdrawal that requires more intensive care from medical professionals in order to ensure safety. Symptoms of AWS include confusion, seizures and hallucinations which occur over a timeline of 6-48 hours after alcohol consumption has ceased. Treatment for alcohol withdrawal should be tailored individually according to the type of alcohol addiction and any co-occurring conditions that may become exacerbated during detoxification.
Alcohol Recovery Requires a Treatment Plan
The last stage our alcohol detox San Diego staff with cover is alcohol recovery, which involves long-term support and lifestyle changes. During alcohol recovery, individuals should at the very least receive counseling. This will help them understand alcohol dependency and alcohol addiction. It will uncover the core issues like trauma, anxiety and poor self-esteem and poor coping skills and many more.
Individuals who attend drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers and join an alcohol aftercare program to help maintain their sobriety have the highest success rates. By going through alcohol detox, individuals can break the cycle of alcohol addiction and learn how to live without depending on alcohol. With proper care and support, alcohol detox can be a successful way to start a life free from alcohol dependency.
Alcohol detox is the process of ridding alcohol from your body in order to break a cycle of alcohol dependency. It is an important step in treating alcohol addiction, as it allows the body to begin adjusting to living without alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal treatment should be tailored according to the individual’s unique needs and health condition in order for it to be effective. Treatment options vary from medications like benzodiazepines which are used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, nutritional therapy which may improve physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can provide coping strategies for alcohol abstinence, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which can provide social support for alcoholics throughout alcohol detox and recovery.
HGR Alcohol Detox San Diego Can Help
It is important to remember that alcohol detox is not a one-time process and requires ongoing commitment from the individual in order to maintain sobriety. With the right resources and support, alcohol detox can be successful in paving the way to a life free of alcohol dependence.
Relapse prevention is a key component of alcohol detoxification and recovery. It involves identifying personal triggers that may lead to alcohol use, developing coping strategies to manage cravings or negative emotions related to alcohol, and engaging in activities such as exercise or creative hobbies to distract from alcohol cravings.
It is important to remember that alcohol detox and recovery requires an ongoing commitment in order to be successful. It is essential to seek professional help if alcohol use persists despite all efforts, as this can indicate an alcohol addiction which may require further medical treatment. With the right resources and support system, alcohol detox can pave the way for long-term sobriety and a life free of alcohol dependence.
Our drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in San Diego and Escondido provide comprehensive care along with specialized treatments for individuals affected by alcohol abuse and addiction. Treatment programs vary from residential rehabs which provide 24/7 care, outpatient rehabs where individuals can attend therapy. Call our drug and alcohol rehab centers in San Diego and Escondido now at (760) 697-0497.
We can help you get a happy and healthy life back today. Talk to us today; every journey begins with the first step.