How to Detox from Alcohol?
Detox from alcohol, what does it mean?
Detox from alcohol is the process of removing all alcohol and its effects (the removable effects) from the alcoholic’s system. Actually, Detox is fairly simple; at least the theory is fairly simple. The alcoholic stops drinking and he will detox as the alcohol leaves his system. When all traces of alcohol are out of his system; he is detoxed. The process is not quite that easy and simple; especially on the alcoholic.
The alcoholic should check into a rehabilitation center with proper medical attendants experienced in alcohol Detox. They will determine the best program for him based upon many different factors including the age and health of the alcoholic, as well as the severity and length of alcohol abuse. Detoxing from alcohol is not an easy process on the alcoholic.
* Alcohol Detox can cause psychological and physical damage, and even result in death if not done properly.
The symptom that may occur when an alcoholic suddenly quits ingesting alcohol is called alcohol withdrawal. All alcoholics going through Detox do not experience withdrawal symptoms, but most experience some form of withdrawal, with the symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
The withdrawal symptoms fall into two distinct categories: physical and psychological.
* Some of the milder physical symptoms during withdrawal are: pulsating headache, increased pulse rate, sweating (sometimes profusely) coupled with clammy hands, handshakes, inability to sleep, nausea with vomiting, enlarged , dilated pupils (pupils are often different sizes), and involuntary movements of the eyelids and other parts of the body.
* Mild psychological withdrawal symptoms are: anxiety, jumpiness, nervousness, feeling shaky, depression, irritability, easily agitated, and a general difficulty in thinking.
The alcoholic who ingested very large amounts of alcohol over an extended period will most likely suffer most of the symptoms listed above plus more severe withdrawal symptoms such as the following: state of confusion, delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, and the possibility of seizures. The severity of these symptoms varies depending upon the alcoholic’s severity of abuse.
If convulsions and seizures occur, this stage is very dangerous if not under the care of a medical team. After three to five days of alcohol abstinence, the symptoms may progress to delirium tremens (DTs). DTs include extreme confusion and disorientation, major cardiovascular changes, which can result in fatal heart attacks, stroke, or a grand mal seizure. There is no known ‘stoppage’ for DTs once they start.
* Roughly only about five percent of alcoholics fall into the dangerous group which DTs may occur in.
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