What Is Detoxing From Alcohol Like?

Alcohol addiction should not be taken lightly. Just because alcohol is not an illegal substance does not mean it cannot do irreparable damage to your body and mind.

When you are struggling with alcoholism, it is so important to seek help and enter recovery. Before you dive into a rehab program, you need to detox from alcohol.

The possibility of withdrawal symptoms can be intimidating, and you may be wondering how you will manage the physical struggles and psychological turmoil. Medicated detox is what treats those worries.

Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from your body, but it is not that simple. It will always come with a level of discomfort. Understanding what to expect from alcohol detox can prepare you for it and improve your confidence when entering detox as well.

Detoxing from alcohol can be very difficult, but when done professionally it's easier and more likely to be successful.

Deciding on Detox

The initial decision to enter an alcohol detox program can feel daunting. You know you have a problem and want help, but the fear of what is to come can prevent you from actually taking that next step.

Not knowing what to expect from alcohol detox can lead to you putting off getting help. Researching and understanding detox and how it can help you will ease your worry. 

Knowing that the detox process only takes up to a week and that, from there, you will participate in more psychological and emotional methods of handling your addiction can calm your nerves.

With the help of professionals in a detox and rehab program, you gain the tools and knowledge needed to remain in recovery long-term. You are not just treating the symptoms of alcoholism but also the causes. You will address mental health issues and face your traumas as well.

Knowing that you will have the support you need during the entire process can motivate you to enter detox and start your sobriety journey. 

The Importance of Detoxing From Alcohol

The benefits of alcohol detox are multi-fold. Not only is medical detox the safest way to remove the toxins from your system, but the support you gain from a supervised medical detox adds to your overall recovery success. 

When you try to withdraw from alcohol on your own, withdrawal symptoms can be brutal. Without assistance, it can often lead to relapse.

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are not just uncomfortable but can even be dangerous or life-threatening. These symptoms include, but aren't limited to:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Agitation and anxiety
• Auditory and visual disturbances
• Paroxysmal sweating
• Tremors

Without the help of health care professionals, these symptoms can lead to severe dehydration, seizures, and even death. It’s why the so-called “cold turkey” approach is so dangerous.

Ensuring you enroll in a detox facility for alcohol addiction sets you on the right path for recovery.

The benefits of detox also include the care and support of an experienced team of experts. While going through detox, you will also be treated for underlying conditions like anxiety and depression.

You will even start therapy to help you learn coping mechanisms for handling the stresses of life as well as alcohol cravings. The sooner you begin treating both the physical and psychological symptoms of alcoholism, the better your overall outcome will be. 

What to Expect From Alcohol Detox

Upon entering the detox program of your choosing, a care team will assess your physical and mental health. This will include a physical examination that looks for symptoms of withdrawal. It may also include urine and blood tests. Checking your alcohol level is not uncommon either. This can help the physician determine the best course of treatment for you.

During this time, you will also provide the facility with your medical history, how long you have been using alcohol, when your last drink was, and any other relevant information.

Based on your information, the providers will educate you on what to expect in their facility. This could include schedules, meal plans, and what medication you will be administered to treat your withdrawal symptoms.  

Once alcohol detox begins, the team will continue to monitor your vitals to ensure you are safe and stable. Medically assisted detox provides you with the physical care you need to safely detox as well as the emotional support to help you remain calm and positive.

The goals of detox are to reduce your withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and provide you with the tools you need to remain sober. Proper detox reduces your risk of relapse because you have access to 24/7 support and a smoother transition into further treatment. 

The detox process will be uncomfortable in even the best of circumstances, but your team will help you understand that this is only one step of your journey. Yes, it is physically draining, but once you are free from alcohol, you can redirect your focus onto staying sober with a professional recovery center. 

Alcohol Detox Is Only The First Step

Alcohol detox is only one aspect of recovery, but it is a crucial one that impacts each step along the way. That is why choosing medically supervised detox can improve your odds of a successful recovery. Not only will alcohol detox treat your withdrawal symptoms, but it will also focus on other mental or physical health issues.

A detox facility provides you with the stability and security to lead you into long-term recovery. Finding a detox facility has never been easier with DetoxNearMe.com. With us, you’ll have thousands of detox listings at your fingertips. You’ll find your ideal detox solution quickly and efficiently.

Start your walk towards recovery with DetoxNearMe.com.