The alcohol detox stage is a crucial step in the management of alcoholism. It is during this time that the alcohol is cleared out from the body, and this process can be dangerous due to complications from withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification must be done in a manner that is appropriate for the individual’s level of dependence, the severity of withdrawal, and the general state of the person’s health.
This article will explore the best way to detox from alcohol, prioritising the individual’s overall well-being and safety.
What Exactly is an Alcohol Detox?
Detoxification from alcohol involves the safe cessation of alcohol use while minimising alcohol withdrawal symptoms and associated risks. Alcohol detox refers to the process of flushing the alcohol from the body and is usually done in a structured medical setting. It aims at avoiding other complications, such as seizures or delirium tremens, that may appear in a severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It sets a platform for different forms of treatment that are used in dealing with the psychological and behavioural issues that are associated with alcohol use disorders.
The symptoms are usually managed with specific medications and nutritional supplements to enhance the patient’s comfort and safety. Detox is usually the first step of treatment of alcohol dependence and can be done in a hospital or otherwise in the community, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the health of the patient.
Regardless of the detox programme you are enrolled in, whether it is inpatient or outpatient-based, the best way to detox is always under medical supervision.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?
Alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence is a critical health challenge that leads to both short-term and long-term consequences. These include liver diseases, heart diseases, and neurological disorders, in addition to the societal and psychological costs to the person addicted and the people around him. Therefore, the process should not be done hastily.
Alcohol detoxification is needed in cases where the patient exhibits withdrawal symptoms, which occur as early as six to eight hours after the last drink and become severe within 24 hours and may occur at times up to five days. The process helps in minimising the severity of withdrawal, thus avoiding complications such as seizures or delirium and attaining alcohol-free status.
For mild to moderate drinkers, the detox period usually lasts anywhere from three to seven days, with the withdrawal symptoms beginning to set in within six to twelve hours after the last drink. Chronic drinkers, on the other hand, may require a longer detox period, which can take anywhere between seven to fourteen days or more.
Structured detox is a sensitive process that may involve medical attention whereby if the case is more severe, there is a need for medications or prompt medical treatment.
Alcohol Detox Programmes
Alcohol detox programmes are carefully planned procedures that are aimed at assisting people in controlling the symptoms which occur when they decide to stop drinking alcohol. The following types of programmes can be identified according to their orientation and methodology.
Facility-based Detoxification
The facility-based detox is a systematic medical treatment that aims to help free people from alcohol and drugs. Detoxification is common in an inpatient facility, where medical professionals manage patients. This approach not only addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal but also provides psychological support, which is crucial for successful recovery.
The alcohol elimination process usually takes seven to ten days, and the patients are kept in the facility to ensure proper monitoring. For alcohol withdrawal, medications such as benzodiazepines are given to the patient to reduce the symptoms and the likelihood of craving for the drugs. Patients receive appropriate therapeutic interventions, both group and individual, to treat the psychological component of the disorder. Lastly, the patients are linked to community rehabilitation services after the detox, as this is important in minimising the chances of relapse and enhancing the prospects of recovery.
Community Detoxification
A community detox is a structured, outpatient-based system that aims to help people who are trying to reduce use or stop using substances. This process is usually coordinated by a key worker and a prescribing doctor in the community, making it an accessible alternative to inpatient detoxification.
The process also involves weekly contact with the key worker to emphasise adequate psychological and social support, relapse prevention, and harm reduction. Regular follow-ups with the doctor ensure that the procedure occurs properly and without risks.
One of the medications used in this stage is chlordiazepoxide for alcohol withdrawal; this medication assists with the management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Following the detox phase, the individuals are usually provided with aftercare services for at least six months to support their recovery. This community-managed model doesn’t only ensure the safety of the individuals but also gives them the strength to access the required care to become alcohol-free in the long run.
Holistic Detox Programmes
Holistic detox programmes are designed to treat the person with substance use disorders by targeting the total person, including the physical, the psychological, and the spiritual. These usually start with the individual’s assessment to create a plan for the detox process. The participants undergo a combination of conventional medical procedures and complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, nutritional advice, and art therapy, among others, to enhance the participants’ well-being and minimise stress.
The integration of holistic practices helps individuals develop coping strategies and emotional resilience, fostering a deeper understanding of their addiction triggers. After the detox process, there is a need to seek support group therapy and aftercare services to ensure that the patient is not relapsing. This has led many treatment facilities in the UK to adopt such approaches when dealing with addiction recovery since they have been seen to be helpful in the recovery process.
Rapid Opioid Detoxification (ROD) for Alcohol
Although the concept of ROD was initially created for the treatment of opioid addiction, it has been modified for alcohol detox in some instances. It is an aggressive method that aims at the removal of alcohol from the system in the shortest possible time and with minimum complications of withdrawal.
The process entails putting the patient under general anaesthesia and administering medications such as benzodiazepines (for instance, Diazepam) and Naloxone to counteract symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and seizures. The detox process takes a few hours to a day, and the patient is usually observed for any adverse events or untoward side effects, including heart problems or severe withdrawal symptoms.
Following the detox, the patient is transitioned from a more intensive treatment to a rehabilitation programme to treat the other aspects of the addiction. ROD should always be done under the supervision of a doctor, and the patient should be enrolled in aftercare programmes to avoid relapse and enhance the chances of recovery.
How to Detox From Alcohol Safely
It is important to ensure that the alcohol detoxification process is done safely, and this can only be done after having made some considerations. It is, therefore, recommended that a person seeking to detox from alcohol should visit a doctor to get advice on the best way to go about it. This is because your doctor will be able to evaluate the level of alcohol dependence and, therefore, come up with the best plan that would be suitable for your treatment. It is also recommended that alcohol consumption should be reduced progressively, and it is advised that one should not take more than five units of alcohol in a day to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens or seizures.
You will also need a caregiver to take care of you throughout the day in the initial detox period, which usually takes five days. The reason is that certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, including diazepam or lorazepam, may be given to manage withdrawal symptoms and to prevent seizures. These medications have known side effects that can be bothersome and uncomfortable. Continuous discussion or follow-up with your doctor is essential for reevaluation of any changes that need to be made to the treatment plan based on how your body reacts to the detox process.
Can I Detox at Home?
It is important to note that quitting alcohol addiction on your own and attempting to get sober at home may have some dangers and consequences; therefore, adequate caution is emphasised during this process. This is because, without the guidance of a medical professional, some of the withdrawal symptoms that may occur, such as seizures and delirium tremens (the most severe form of withdrawal), can be fatal. Those with a history of complicated withdrawal or any coexisting mental health problems may be at high risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms.
It is therefore advisable to ensure that you are not alone in the detox process and that there should be a competent caregiver for at least the first few days to monitor your symptoms and how you react to the detox process and to ensure your safety. A structured support system, including regular check-ins with a healthcare professional, is vital to address your response to treatment and any emerging complications.
When Should You Call for Help?
If you or a loved one is experiencing even mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as sleep problems, restlessness, mood changes, or anxiety, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider immediately to prevent progression and life-threatening complications.
It is also advisable to seek help when one is experiencing severe signs of alcohol withdrawal since it can be fatal. In case of such symptoms as hallucinations, confusion, severe tremors, or seizures, it is recommended to turn to doctors and contact emergency services immediately. These withdrawal symptoms usually start within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and can progress very fast; for example, delirium tremens may occur within 48 to 72 hours and, if not managed properly, may lead to death.
Other alarming symptoms are a fast heart rate, panic attacks, or vomiting constantly. Anyone with a prior history of alcohol dependence should never attempt to detox without the help of a doctor, and detox should always be done in the presence of healthcare professionals to manage the withdrawal symptoms in a way that does not result in life-threatening complications.
The Bottomline
The best way to detox from alcohol is always under medical supervision to ensure your safety and the efficiency of the whole process. Medical professionals have to take into consideration the level of alcohol dependence, the severity of the withdrawal symptoms, and the general health of the patient. Medical detox programmes should be individualised; hence, it is essential to properly discuss this with your doctors so they can lay out the best options for you.
Support is at Hand
Remember that support is always available no matter how hopeless things may seem. If you decide it is finally time to regain control of your life, you can reach out to support groups and trusted rehabilitation centres. Alcohol detox is not something that you should be doing alone. You need to be appropriately guided throughout the process to ensure your safety and the success of the treatment.
Take your first step toward recovery in a trusted rehabilitation facility that offers evidence-based therapies, including medical detox programmes. Here at Liberty Home, we provide the help and guidance you deserve. Take the first step towards sober living now!
