Alcohol Detox

Drinking alcohol is a harmful vice that destroys not only the alcoholics but also the people they are related to. Alcohol causes severe harm to the body and leads to the malfunction and sometimes total failure of the vital organs in the body, especially the liver and the kidneys. This condition is not only seen in alcoholics but also in occasional drinkers (where, the effect of the alcohol is slow) which can be life-threatening and sometimes even fatal. In order to stop the destruction of the body due to the effects of consuming alcohol, an individual must undergo detox.

Alcohol detoxification, also known as alcohol detox is a procedure to gradually reduce and completely eliminate alcohol addiction of an individual. Detoxification of alcohol can be defined as 'A treatment for addiction to alcohol (or drugs) intended to rid the body of the addictive substances, and the physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies the process'. Before undergoing treatment for alcoholism, it is very essential to undergo detoxification process to remove the residues of alcohol in the body. It can be very difficult to achieve recovery from addiction to alcohol, if the residues remain in the body, as it can lead to cravings for alcohol.

Detox can be brought about by abstaining from or avoiding the consumption of alcohol whenever possible, use of medications and changing the patient's diet. Alcohol detoxification can be a bit tough as the individual may have to undergo physical and psychological trauma when it comes to complete withdrawal from alcohol poisoning. Let's take a look at the symptoms and therapy methods for withdrawing from alcohol.

Symptoms of Detoxification
Alcohol detox refers to a complete withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol. The severity of the symptoms may range from mild to severe and also vary from individual to individual. The mild symptoms tend to develop during the initial stages of detox, whereas the severe symptoms show their presence within 48 hours to one week of refraining from alcohol. In case of moderate symptoms, which may be life-threatening at times, it may be necessary to seek medical intervention.

Mild Symptoms

• Nausea induced vomiting
• Bad temper and irritability
• Headache, which may range from mild to severe
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive sweating, noticed especially on the palms of the hands
• Feeling of nervousness and shakiness
• Insomnia or deprivation of sleep

Moderate Symptoms

• Increased heart rate
• Getting nightmares
• Depression and sudden changes in emotions
• Trembling of limbs
• Twitching of eyelids
• Dilated pupils
• Pale and clammy skin
• Fatigue

Severe Symptoms

• Inability to think clearly
• Convulsions or seizures
• Fainting spells and blackouts
• Sudden and extreme emotional changes induced by anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Fever

Treating Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may tire an individual physically and emotionally. In order to stop drinking alcohol completely, it is necessary to undergo treatment. There are many natural detox remedies like drinking plenty of water and fruit (or vegetable) juices to hydrate the body and encourage cell functions, practicing meditation and yoga etc. Vegetable juices like beetroot and carrot juice help in cleansing the liver and strengthening the immune system. There are also many herbs and supplements that help reducing the stress caused due to withdrawal symptoms. In case of severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, there are some medications that are used for treatment like benzodiazepines. This method is known as pharmacological detoxification and medications like chlordiazepoxide and diazepam are used to treat the case of heavy drinkers. It is necessary to exercise caution while treating severe alcoholism with diazepam as this drug tends to react with the high levels of alcohol and in rare cases, it may even lead to death. So before taking any medication it is always advisable to consult a health care provider.

Though there are many alcohol rehab centers like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that help an individual to get rid of this habit, some people prefer to undergo alcohol detox at home. To quit alcohol for good, the individual must be determined to stop drinking alcohol, no matter what. Alcohol withdrawal is a challenging phase for an individual, both physically and psychologically, as his body reacts to the sudden reduction of alcohol in the blood. Patience and dedication, with the support of family and friends, is a key factor to get complete freedom from this harmful addiction. So get rid of alcohol before it gets rid of you.