What is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol Detox is often the first step in addiction treatment. It’s a critical stage that lays the foundation for a successful road to recovery. During detox, Alcohol is completely flushed from the body. This gives the body a chance to recuperate to a state that is not dependent on Alcohol. Someone with an Alcohol addiction, or any substance addiction for that matter, feels that they cannot function properly without it. So, when usage of said drug is stopped, it can be very difficult and painful to handle the initial changes.
Part of the Alcohol Detox process is keeping recovering patients comfortable, and more importantly, safe during the process. As previously mentioned, Alcohol Detox can be a difficult process. So, keeping a recovering patient safe and comfortable will allow them to focus entirely on their detox, which ultimately will give them a greater chance at recovery.
At the same time, Alcohol Detox prepares individuals for rehab, the next step in treatment, which focuses on repairing life issues related to alcoholism. While it’s imperative to control and manage a chemical dependency, all of the initial work will be for naught if the issues related to one’s Alcoholism are not managed as well. Through the use of medications and psychotherapy, recovering patients can begin to explore and understand their Alcoholism. This is a crucial step in regaining control of one’s own life.
Why is Alcohol Detox Difficult?
People that attempt Alcohol Detox may often experience several physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can often lead individuals to relapse or give up on the recovery process entirely. In fact, the fear and anxiety of experiencing such symptoms may prevent someone from even attempting an Alcohol Detox in the first place.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms associated with Alcohol Detox are:
- Anxiety
- Sweating and shaky hands
- Headaches and other pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Insomnia and irregular sleep
One, or a combination, of these symptoms can make Alcohol Detox difficult and hinder the path to recovery. This is why manageable Alcohol Detox that comes with the support of medical care professionals can greatly reduce the likelihood of a relapse. It is extremely difficult to perform an Alcohol Detox alone. This is especially true for those with a long history of Alcoholism.
The aforementioned symptoms are generally considered to be mild. Those with a more severe history of Alcohol abuse may suffer from more serious symptoms such as body tremors, seizures, and even hallucinations. In such cases, attempting an Alcohol Detox is even more difficult and, not to mention, dangerous. The good news is that with a gradual approach to detox and the right support, withdrawal symptoms can subside within a week or two after starting an Alcohol Detox.
However, in addition to withdrawal symptoms and the anxiety that surrounds them, individuals may avoid treatment due to the stigma around Alcoholism. It can be very difficult for some to talk about their Alcoholism. So much so that it prevents them from seeking treatment.
What to Expect From Detox Centers in Florida
There are many Alcohol Detox and Rehab Centers in Florida. However, they are not all built the same. The right Alcohol Detox Center needs to accommodate for all of the issues mentioned previously.
Firstly, before the process even begins, patients seeking recovery need to be comfortable with the idea. This is why a caring, understanding, and supportive environment is imperative. Someone who wants to eliminate their Alcohol addiction knows that simply wanting it is not enough. At the same time, they need to know that the professionals who want to help them understand this too. In addition to this, some individuals with an Alcohol addiction feel ashamed of their condition and would rather avoid treatment than risk embarrassment. This is why a respectful and discrete environment is also very important.
Further, the process of Alcohol Detox needs to be managed gradually. This sort of cautious approach is the most effective to flush Alcohol out of a system. It reduces the pain associated with Alcohol Detox and improves the likelihood of continued recovery. In addition to the gradual management of the detox process, medications may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Next, support must be given for a patient’s mental health issues through the use of medications and or psychotherapy. As mentioned previously, part of the Alcohol Detox process is preparing individuals for the next step in treatment, rehabilitation.
Lastly, of course, individuals with an Alcohol addiction may also need support in managing other drug addictions. As Alcohol impairs cognitive function, individuals with an Alcohol addiction may also suffer from other addictions.Luckily, such an Alcohol Detox Center in Florida, that covers all of these bases, does exist. As we previously mentioned, Alcohol Detox is the first, and perhaps most important, step in recovering from an Alcohol addiction. This is why surrounding oneself in a supportive environment with knowledgeable and caring professionals is the best first move to make in this journey.