How the Detox from Alcohol Process Works

How the Detox from Alcohol Process Works

October 10, 2016 | Recovery Connection | Addiction, Support, Treatment

How the Detox from Alcohol Process Works

man exploring mountains after detox from alcoholBeginning the journey to sobriety means ceasing all alcohol consumption and going through what’s known as a detox. This is an important step on the road to recovery. Without a detox from alcohol, patients won’t be physically, emotionally or mentally ready to make the most of rehab. Learn more about the process of detox and its value before choosing the right place to begin treatment.

What is a Detox From Alcohol?

A detox is the period of time when individuals stop drinking alcohol altogether. By most standards, a detox is not a time of weaning or of gradual quitting. Detox forces the body to flush out toxins, which is difficult since most individuals addicted to alcohol become physically dependent on it. However, ridding the body of alcohol and its toxins offers a blank slate and a fresh start for recovery.

Duration of an Alcohol Detox

A typical alcohol detox will last up to 10 days. However, the exact duration can depend on a number of different factors. Some of the things that might influence how long a person stays in a detox program are:

What to Expect During a Detox

Far too many individuals know that they need to begin a detox in order to break free from their addiction to alcohol, but are concerned about what the symptoms associated with detox. It’s important to understand that while a detox isn’t necessarily a pleasant experience, any discomfort can be managed in a medical detox facility.

Patients should expect withdrawal symptoms to begin within the first eight hours of the detox. These initial symptoms might include nausea, diarrhea, anxiety or insomnia. Roughly 24 hours into the detox, symptoms might include a high temperature, sweatiness and a high heart rate. After 72 hours, symptoms will peak and then start to decline in intensity.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that roughly 5% of patients in withdrawal from alcohol will experience DT, or delirium tremens. This is a condition that includes the risk of hallucinations, seizures and convulsions. Thankfully, these conditions can be managed in a proper detox facility.

Follow Up With Rehab

Detox may help individuals get sober, but staying sober is a unique challenge. To maintain sobriety for years to come, rehab is necessary. Rehab is most effective when it directly follows detox. Immediately attending rehab gives patients the necessary techniques to prevent relapsing in the future. Rehab should include a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes evidence-based treatment, accountability, medical care, therapy, group counseling and the chance to create an aftercare plan for continuing support.

With a better understanding of how a detox from alcohol works, you can seek help for yourself or a loved one. Call Recovery Connection at 866-812-8231 for confidential assistance finding the ideal detox or rehab program to aid in your recovery from an alcohol addiction.

Managing Your Alcoholic Brain; Are You Impulsive or Anxiety-Prone?

Managing Your Alcoholic Brain; Are You Impulsive or Anxiety-Prone?

October 10, 2016 | Tyler Jacobson, BS | Featured Article

When it comes to the word “alcoholism” most simply think of a person that drinks a lot with an inability to stop themselves. Whatever their motives, this is generally the perception.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism, 17.6 million people in the U.S. suffer from alcohol abuse. That’s one in every 12. Most likely you know of someone who you would at least casually label an alcoholic, or you know someone who does. That fact alone is alarming, especially when you add our children into that context.

How many kids at their school use alcohol? If our children aren’t drinking, chances are they at least know someone who is. This isn’t something we can ignore and hope they’ll learn to be responsible on their own by the time they’re 21.

It’s just not that simple.

Two Types of Alcoholics

A new study suggests that there are two types of alcoholic brains, Type I which is anxiety-prone, and Type II which is more impulsive.

Why does this matter? Because who our children are can determine the type of alcoholic they would become. Understanding this risk empowers us to approach the subject from the right angle in increases the chance they’ll listen.

According to the study, type I alcoholics can be either male or female and tends to come on later in life, but only after years of heavy drinking. It requires both a genetic predisposition to addiction as well as environmental.

Type II, however, occurs mainly in the sons of fathers who are alcoholics. These require almost nothing environmental and can hit early in life, such as around adolescence.

By examining these two types, a parent can examine their own life and environment and determine if their child is at risk. If so, it’s never too early to start the conversation.

Talking to Teens About Alcohol

It can be a difficult thing to talk to our kids about the dangers of the real world. Drugs, sex, and alcohol are all things we hope could wait until they’re adults, and conveniently wave a magic wand to grant them all the knowledge and wisdom they need. We need to talk to them, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

Here are some tips to prepare you, but there are resources available for parents looking for a more in-depth conversation.

1. Communication.

Always at the top of my list. Talk with them often. When talking about little things is easy, it makes talking about the big things that much easier.

2. Be on their side.

It’s not a parent vs children situation. Make sure they know you care about what happens to them, and try to get across that this is a real danger. You’re not just trying to ruin their fun.

3. Create consequences.

Just like any rule, make sure they understand how you feel, the rules regarding alcohol, and the consequences for breaking those rules. Children that have well-defined boundaries are more prone to respect them.