Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox simply refers to the removal of alcohol from the body. Alcohol is a toxin; therefore detox simply means to stop consuming the toxin, allowing the body to remove it completely. In order to help with the detoxification process however, changes to diets and certain medicinal drugs often accompany the process. Individuals going through alcohol detox also need psychological support from doctors, friends and families in order to help them get through the difficulties of the process.

For most cases, the process of detoxification does not require the individual to be admitted to a hospital or rehab centre, but instead they can go through it at all. Only the most severe cases generally require the 24/7 help of medical professionals. Such severe cases often have very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions and confusion. In cases where the patient is addicted to more than just alcohol, 24/7 medical help is also often needed to help them through the detoxification.

Medicinal drugs are only used in the worst cases of alcoholism, where the individual is a very heavy drinker. This is because these individuals tend to suffer the most when they co cold turkey, and it is often impossible to get through it without the help of drugs. Such drug treatment however does have side effects, with patients often suffering from insomnia for a few days. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used type of drugs for pharmacological detoxification.

Diet-wise, patients cope best with a high protein, high fluid diet. Patients are required to drink a lot of water during the process. They also need to consume a lot of fibre. Additionally, high sugar foods are recommended, since a lot of alcoholics have low sugar levels.

Generally speaking, it will take between 1 and 2 months in order for an individual to be completely detoxified, although the figure can vary. The quitting process is not completely after detoxification however, and recovering alcoholics should be very aware that although the detox is often the hardest part, they still have a lot way to go before they can say they are no longer tempted by alcohol.

2 Responses to “Alcohol Detox”

1. Sherman Alcini says:

   March 22, 2010 at 7:08 am

   Alcoholics who have developed a strong dependence and addiction also have to be given extra supplements and alternatives during alcohol-detoxification. Alcohol detoxification is the most difficult step for them and they are paid special attention during the whole process. As drug detoxification is the abrupt stoppage of this substance consumption, the alcoholics are also given alternative medicines that have the effect similar to that of alcohol intake, but they are not dangerous, or addicting.
2. detox at home says:

   August 16, 2011 at 3:29 pm

   Yes…you are definately a talented blogger ! Keep up the good work !