According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.4 million adults in the United States struggle with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol affects the daily lives of an individual and their physical and mental health. This statistic explains the importance of alcohol detox.
The risk of alcoholism is high, especially for people who abuse alcohol regularly. The habit makes it necessary for one to take more alcohol each time to maintain the high and achieve the desired effect. When one develops alcoholism, they need to complete an alcohol detox before beginning the process of rehabilitation. Alcohol detoxification is a natural process that takes place in the body. It involves getting rid of toxins and waste products from long-term and excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol detox may also include counseling, medial observation, and medication.
The Process of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol often depresses the central nervous system. It affects almost all cells in the body of the user. The process of alcohol detox can be complicated. Those who are going through the alcohol detox process experience mild to severe symptoms of withdrawal. It is hard to predict the symptoms you may experience during detox. For this reason, you need medical supervision during the process in case of emergencies.
Symptoms of withdrawal often occur 6 to 12 hours after taking the last drink. The early signs are mild and include nausea, sweating, shaking, mood swings, and anxiety. The symptoms continue to worsen as the detox process progresses, and one may begin to feel unwell. Health care professionals at a supervised treatment facility ought to prescribe nutrition supplements or medication to make feel at ease. Alcohol detox usually lasts for about 7 to 10 days. After completing the process, you can move to the next step of rehabilitation.
It is important to note that going through alcohol detox does not free you from alcoholism. It is just the first step of treatment from alcohol use disorders. The importance of alcohol detox is that it helps to clear the body and mind. This process prepares the individual for the full treatment ahead. It is quite dangerous to try detoxing on your own without the help of any medical professionals. Detoxing alone may lead to dangerous symptoms and even death.
Some of the severe effects that come with detoxing include:
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Liver or kidney dysfunction
- Extreme nausea
- Hallucination
- Anxiety
Alcohol Detox Program at Summit Estate Recovery Center
The facility helps its residents to detox from drugs and alcohol in a comfortable environment and with the best treatment services. The residents receive medical supervision throughout their detox program in the facility. The alcohol detox program at the facility helps build the foundation required for the patients to maintain long-term sobriety.
Other treatment programs available at the facility include:
- Outpatient treatment program: This program works best for individuals whose addictions are not so severe. They do not need residential treatment or detox. They receive treatment while living outside the facility.
- Day treatment/partial hospitalization: The clients attend therapy and counseling sessions at the facility during the day. They have the freedom to go back home and look after their loved ones.
- Telehealth treatment program: This program involves receiving treatment through online platforms. It is especially necessary during this time of coronavirus pandemic.
- Continued care program: This program assists individuals in recovery to remain sober and avoid relapse.
Learn More About Summit Estate Recovery Center
Avoid the fatal consequences that come with detoxing on your own without medical supervision. Get to experience the importance of alcohol detox from our health professionals. Reach out to us via 800.701.6997 for a smooth start to your treatment and recovery journey.